Washington: Describing the abuse of Iraqi prisoners as a "stain" on his country's honour and reputation, US President George W Bush today (May 8, 2004) insisted that only "a small number" of American soldiers took part in the "shocking" act at Abu Ghraib prison and pledged the guilty will be punished.

"In recent days, America and the world have learned of shocking conduct in Iraqi prisons by a small number of American servicemen and women. These individuals had been given the responsibility of overseeing Iraqis in American custody, and doing so in a decent and humane manner, consistent with US law and the Geneva conventions.

"Instead we have seen shameful images of prisoners being subjected to abuse and humiliation. Such practices do not reflect our values. They are a stain on our country's honour and reputation," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

Shortly after reports of abuse became known to the US military, an investigation was launched, Bush said, adding several formal investigations, led by senior military officials, are underway now and some soldiers have already been charged with crimes.

"We will", said Bush, "learn all the facts and determine the full extent of these abuses. Those involved will be identified; they will answer for their actions. All prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to make certain that similar disgraceful incidents are never repeated." What took place in that Iraqi prison, declared Bush, was the wrongdoing of a few, and does not reflect the character of more than 200,000 military personnel who have served in Iraq since the beginning of 'Operation Iraqi Freedom'.

"America is a compassionate country that believes in justice and in freedom. Americans believe in the worth and rights and dignity of every person," he said.

"Our country has sent troops into Iraq to liberate that country, return sovereignty to the Iraqi people, and make America and the world more secure. In this cause, our troops perform a thousand acts of kindness, decency and courage every day.

"More than 700 Americans have given their lives. The brave and honourable soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and marines who are serving and sacrificing in Iraq -- not the few who have let us down -- show the true character of America. The men and women of our military have my complete confidence as they carry on with their mission," Bush said.

This, he said, has been a difficult few weeks. "Yet our forces will stay on the offensive, finding and confronting the killers and terrorists who are trying to undermine the progress of democracy in Iraq. To address the violence in Fallujah, our Marines are working with Iraqis to conduct operations in and around the city.

"They are using targeted force to strike former Baathists and other militants, surrounding the city to prevent the escape of enemy fighters, and taking every precaution to avoid hurting the innocent."