President Bush yesterday denied that the US secretly moves terrorism suspects to foreign countries to be tortured for information.
The process known as "rendition" has come under the spotlight after reports that the CIA was operating secret prisons in Europe for terrorism suspects.
"We do not render to countries that torture. That has been our policy and that policy will remain the same," Mr Bush said.
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, during a visit to Europe, is seeking to reassure allies about the US handling of terrorism suspects.
Mr Bush reiterated that the US does not torture.
"I don't talk about secret programmes, covert programmes, covert activities. Part of a successful war on terror is for the United States of America to be able to conduct operations, all aimed to protect the American people covertly," Mr Bush said.
"We abide by the law of the United States, that we do not torture," he said. "We will try to do everything we can to protect us within the law."
Mr Bush yesterday criticised Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean for saying it was wrong to think the US would win in Iraq. He called Mr Dean a pessimist trying to score political points. "I know we're going to win, and our troops need to hear not only that they are supported but that we have got a strategy that will win," said Mr Bush.
Mr Dean had said that "the idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong". - (Reuters)