Bush: We must stand together

President Bush has called on America's allies to stick together after last week's bombings in Spain.

He warned that "cold-blooded killers" behind the Madrid blasts "would try to get the world to cower".

"They'll kill innocent people to try to shake our will," Mr Bush said. That's what they want to do."

Mr Bush was speaking for the first time since Spain's new socialist governmentthreatened to pull its troops out of Iraq. He avoided any direct reference to the shock election result, but said: "It is essential that the free world remain strong and resolute and determined.

"We will work with our friends to bring justice to the terrorists. They'll never shake the will of the United States. We understand the stakes."

Washington has been rocked by a pledge by the new Spanish leader, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, to bring home 1,300 troops unless the United Nations is put in charge of the operation.

President Bush was speaking yesterday after a meeting at the White House with Dutch prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who confirmed that Netherlands forces would continue to support the American-led coalition in Iraq. Mr Bush added: "It is essential that we remain side by side with the Iraqi people. Al Qaeda wants us out of Iraq because al Qaeda wants to use Iraq as an example of defeating freedom and democracy."

Denmark has also said it will remain in Iraq despite widespread public opposition.