Washington: In a damage control exercise, President George W Bush today (May 5, 2004) told the Arab world that the treatment of Iraqi prisoners by some members of the US military was ''abhorrent'' and there "will be investigations" and people will be brought to justice.

In interviews to Egyptian channel Al-Hurra and the popular Arab channel Al Arabia aimed at the Middle East audience, Bush said the actions of "these few people do not reflect the hearts of the American people".

''The American people are just as appalled'' as Iraqis, Bush said. ''People in Iraq must understand that I view those practices as abhorrent. They must also understand that what took place in that prison does not represent the America that I know,'' he added.

He said there will be a full investigation and justice will be delivered.

"This is a serious matter. It's a matter that reflects badly on my country. Our citizens in America are appalled by what they saw, just like people in the Middle East are appalled. We share the same deep concerns. And we will find the truth, we will fully investigate. The world will see the investigation and justice will be served," he told Al-Arabia.

He noted that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's trained torturers were never brought to justice under his regime. But in this case, "there were no investigations about mistreatment of people. There will be investigations. People will be brought to justice."

"There are multiple investigations going on, some of them related to any criminal charges that may be filed," Bush said adding there are also investigations to determine how widespread abuse may be occurring.

"I talked to the Secretary of Defence (Donald Rumsfeld) this morning...I said, find the truth and then tell the Iraqi people and the world the truth." He also said he had confidence in Rumsfeld. "We have nothing to hide. I've got confidence in the Secretary of Defence, and I've got confidence in the commanders on the ground in Iraq, because they are doing great work on behalf of the Iraqi people."

Asked if he would allow the International Red Cross and other human rights organisations to visit prisons controlled by US military, Bush said, "Of course, we'll cooperate with the International Red Cross."

He expressed confidence that Iraq will be a peaceful, self-governing nation. "And I also have confidence that, with help, the Iraqi security forces will be strong against foreign terrorists and others who are willing to kill and criminals who are willing to try to wreak havoc in this society."

Asked if there was any reversal in policy of de-Baathification, Bush answered in the negative.

"There is a process of balancing those who may have been affiliated with the Baath Party and those who are terrorists and killers. And obviously, terrorists and killers and extremists will not be a part of the government. But people who are by and large peaceful people, who care deeply about the future of Iraq, will be," he said.