Bush pledges to continue war on terror

US President George W. Bush pledged to continue the war on terror in his New Year message issued by the White House on Friday.

Over the past year, Bush said, "Americans have shown resolve and patience in the war on terror," and in the year ahead, "we will persevere in the ongoing war on terror to make our nation safer and stronger."

In the United States, "we go forward in the New Year with confidence and faith in the future," and in the new year, the United States "will continue to confront disease, hunger, and poverty at home and abroad," he said.

The country restored the vigor of the economy in the past year, and will build on its economic progress and strengthen Social Security for the next generation so that all US citizens can realize "the promise of America," he said.

"We will continue to improve our public schools and uphold our deepest values of faith, family, and service," he said.

In his message, the president also expressed condolences over the victims and losses caused by the tsunamis in Asia, and pledged assistance to those affected.

"As we begin the New Year, our prayers go out to the people who have lost so much to the recent series of disasters in the Indian Ocean region," he said.

"America will continue to stand with the affected governments to bring aid to those in need. Together the world will cope with the loss and prevail over this destruction," Bush said.

Source: Xinhua