Washington: Reversing his statement made earlier this week, which suggested he did not believe the war on terrorism could be won, US President George W Bush said yesterday (Aug 31, 2004), "We will win."

"We meet today at a time of war for our country, a war we did not start, yet one that we will win," Bush said at the annual national convention of the 'American Legion' in Nashville, Tennessee, amid applause.

"If America shows weakness or uncertainty in this decade, the world will drift toward tragedy. This will not happen on my watch." Bush said the US would continue to work with friends and allies around the world to aggressively pursue the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere. "You cannot talk sense to these people. You cannot negotiate with them. You cannot hope for the best."

"In this different kind of war, we may never sit down at a peace table. But make no mistake about it, we are winning, and we will win. We will win by staying on the offensive. We will win by spreading liberty."

Bush said amid continued applause, "Those leaders - countries are now governed by strong leaders who believe in the aspirations of their people. We'll help them in the political process."

He said the US would train Afghan citizens and Iraqi citizens so they can defend their own country. "Our military will complete this mission as quickly as possible so our troops do not stay a day longer than necessary."

In the long run, said Bush, "Our security is not guaranteed by force alone. We must work to change the conditions that give rise to terror: poverty and hopelessness and resentment. A free and peaceful Iraq and a free and peaceful Afghanistan will be powerful examples in part of the world that is desperate for freedom."

This new plan for force re-alignment he has announced, said Bush, "Will help us fight and win the war on terror; this new plan will help us deal with the threats of the 21st century."