U.S. President George Bush says a new audiotape, purportedly by terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, shows that the fight against terrorist violence must continue. The tape threatens more attacks against Americans as well as countries that support U.S. efforts in Iraq. Mr. Bush made his comments in Thailand, where he is telling a regional economic forum that greater security is essential for economic development.
The recorded message warns of new attacks on Americans inside and outside the United States. Broacast on Al-Jazeera television, the threats include a call for holy war against Americans in Iraq and demands that U.S. troops leave the country.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Thai prime minister, President Bush said the messages show the world is still a dangerous place. "The bin Laden tape should say to everybody that the war on terror goes on, that there is still a danger for free nations and that free nations need to work together more than ever to share intelligence, cut off money and bring these potential killers or killers to justice," Mr. Bush said.
President Bush said U.S. forces are still hunting for the al-Qaida leader. In addition to the threats against Americans, the taped message warns of retaliation against countries helping with the U.S. occupation of Iraq, including Britain, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy and Kuwait.
