Washington: With the US reeling under international condemnation for torture of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo, President George W Bush has said these acts were "wrong" and American people were "horrified" by the abuse of detainees.

"These acts were wrong. They were inconsistent with our policies and our values as a nation. I have directed a full accounting for the abuse of the Abu Ghraib detainees and investigations are underway to review detention operations in Iraq and elsewhere," Bush said on the UN International Day in support of victims of torture.

"Torture is wrong, no matter where it occurs," he said in a message yesterday (Jun 26, 2004).

Remembering the victims of torture worldwide, Bush re-affirmed his country's commitment to the worldwide elimination of torture saying the non-negotiable demands of human dignity must be protected without reference to race, gender, creed or nationality.

"Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right and we are committed to building a world where human rights are respected and protected by the rule of law," he said.

To help fulfill this commitment, the US has joined 135 other nations in ratifying the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

"America stands against and will not tolerate torture. We will investigate and prosecute all acts of torture and undertake to prevent other cruel and unusual punishment in all territory under our jurisdiction," Bush said.