U.S. President George W. Bush on Sunday night rejected calls for a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq "before our work is done."

He warned that a premature pullout would hand Iraq over to U.S. enemies.

In a rare televised address to the nation from his Oval Office, Bush spoke highly of Thursday's historic parliamentary elections in Iraq, saying "it is the beginning of something new: constitutional democracy at the heart of the Middle East."

The elections meant the United States had "an ally of growing strength in the fight against terror," he noted.

In his 20-minute address, Bush categorically denied that Iraq war is lost. "Some look at the challenges in Iraq, and conclude that the war is lost, and not worth another dime or another day. I don't believe that."

"Our military commanders do not believe that. Our troops in the field, who bear the burden and make the sacrifice, do not believe that America has lost. And not even the terrorists believe it."

This is Bush's fifth speech made to win the public support for the Iraq mission since the end of November as more and more Americans disapprove of the Bush administration's Iraq policy and Bush's approval ratings have fallen to record lows.

Bush made his speech hours after Vice President Dick Cheney wrapped up a surprise visit to Iraq, his first tour there since the invasion.

Addressing hundreds of US soldiers, Cheney said: "Some have suggested that the war is not winnable and a few seem almost eager to conclude the struggle is already over. But they are wrong. The only way to lose this fight is to quit, and that is not an option."

The United States is reportedly to reduce military presence from about 150,000 to 138,000 by end-January, with General George Casey, the U.S. commander in Iraq, to make recommendations on whether further cuts can be made.

Source: Xinhua