US President George W. Bush on Tuesday refused to set a timetable for US troops to withdraw from Iraq, saying such a timetable would be a "serious mistake" for both Iraqis and the US troops fighting in Iraq.

The president meanwhile argued against sending more US troops to Iraq to bolster the 138,000 already there.

"Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever," Bush said in a prime-time speech at an army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He stressed the United States pursues a strategy with both a military track and a political track in Iraq.

"Our strategy going forward has both a military track and a political track. The principal task of our military is to find and defeat the terrorists. And that is why we are on the offense."

"And as we pursue the terrorists, our military is helping to train Iraqi security forces so that they can defend their people and fight the enemy on their own." he said.

While admiting the work in Iraq difficult and dangerous, Bush vowed to help Iraqi forces fight the insurgents through three new steps.

"First, we are partnering coalition units with Iraqi units. These coalition-Iraq teams are conducting operations together in the field," Bush said.

"Second, we are embedding coalition transition teams inside Iraqi units," Bush said, adding that these coalition officers will live, work and fight together with Iraqis.

"Third, we are working with the Iraqi Ministries of Interior and Defense to improve their capabilities to coordinate anti-terrorist operations," he said.

Bush's speech, trying to clear up increasing doubts about his Iraq strategy, came on the anniversary of the US transfer of power to Iraqis.

Source: Xinhua