US: President Bush has rejected calls by former military commanders for defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign over his handling of the military campaign in Iraq.
As a sixth former general called on Mr Rumsfeld to step down, the president took the unusual step of issuing a statement expressing confidence in the defence secretary.
"Earlier today I spoke with Don Rumsfeld about ongoing military operations in the global war on terror. I reiterated my strong support for his leadership during this historic and challenging time for our nation," Mr Bush said.
Retired general Charles Swannack, who led the army's 82nd airborne division in Iraq, is the latest retired officer to call for Mr Rumsfeld to go, criticising his interference.
"I really believe that we need a new secretary of defence because Secretary Rumsfeld carries way too much baggage with him. Specifically, I feel he has micromanaged the generals who are leading our forces," Gen Swannack said.
Other retired generals have accused Mr Rumsfeld of arrogance and of failing to build the peace in Iraq after the initial military operation ended.
Former marine general Anthony Zinni said the defence secretary should be held responsible for mistakes, including "throwing away 10 years' worth of planning, plans that had taken into account what we would face in an occupation of Iraq".
Mr Rumsfeld yesterday told al-Arabiya television he intends to stay in his job as long as he has the president's confidence.
"If, out of thousands and thousands of admirals and generals, every time two or three people disagreed we changed the secretary of defence of the United States, it would be like a merry-go-round," he said.
Mr Bush said that the defence secretary had been given the difficult task of transforming the US military to make it better able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
"I have seen first-hand how Don relies upon our military commanders . . . to make decisions about how best to complete these missions. Secretary Rumsfeld's energetic and steady leadership is exactly what is needed at this critical period. He has my full support," the president said.