Friday, January 21 2005 09:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Asserting that the US is determined to win the war on terror, President George W Bush has asked members of Congress, regardless of their political affiliations, to work together in the coming days.

"We have a solemn duty to protect our people and to win the war on terror, and we will. We've other vital duties, and we will strive to achieve results on behalf of the people," he said speaking at the Inaugural Committee Luncheon at the Capitol in Washington yesterday (Jan 20, 2005).

"I'm eager for the work. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you are, as well. I'm looking forward to putting my heart and soul into this job for four more years. Together, we can make this great nation of ours a safer place, a freer place, and a better place for all our fellow citizens," Bush, who took the oath of office for a second time yesterday, said.

As leaders, "we have a common duty to achieve results for the people, regardless of our political parties. There's important work to be done, and I look forward to working with members of both Houses and both parties to achieve that job," he said.

The President said that the "magnificent inaugural ceremony reminds us that we serve a cause larger than our-self. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that binds us."

Among those who attended the luncheon were civil and military leaders, members of Congress and three ex-Presidents and their families - Jimmy Carter, Bush's father, George H W Bush and Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Clinton.