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WASHINGTON, Nov 3: In his victory speech on Wednesday afternoon, President George W. Bush vowed to continue the war against terror with "every resource" at his disposal.
He also promised to keep US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan for as long as it takes to restore peace in those countries.
Earlier, both Mr Bush and his opponent John F. Kerry on emphasized the need for unity and for ending the divisions created by a bitterly contested election.
"Our militaries brought justice to the enemy and honour to America. Our nation has served the freedom of all mankind, I am proud to lead such an amazing country," declared Mr Bush while accepting a second term of four years. "Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of home," he added.
Mr Bush declared that America will continue to "help the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan, so they can grow in strength and defend their freedom and then our servicemen and women can come home with the honour they have earned."
He said America has "good allies" on its side and "will fight this war on terror with every resource at our disposal so that our children can live at peace."
Addressing those who voted for Mr Kerry, Mr Bush said: "To make this nation stronger and better I will need your support, I will do all I can do to deserve your trust.
"We have one country, one constitution and one future that define us. When we come together and work together, there's no limit to the greatness of America."
He said Senator Kerry telephoned him to concede defeat and he was very gracious. "He ran a spirited campaign and he and his supporters can be proud of his efforts," said Mr Bush.
Vice President Dick Cheney and his family were first to walk into Washington's Ronald Reagan Building where Mr Bush delivered his victory speech. Mr Bush came minutes later, accompanied by his wife.
KERRY'S CONFIDENCE: Earlier, Mr Cheney declared, while introducing President Bush that this year's election saw "a record vote turnout and a broad, nationwide victory" for the Republican Party. "We have gained seats in the House of Representatives and a larger majority in the US Senate."
"Thanks to you, President Bush has won the greatest number of popular votes than any presidential candidate in American history," said Mr Bush. Mr Kerry, who addressed his supporters in Boston three hours after he telephoned Mr Bush, said: "We spoke about the desperate need for unity, about the danger of division and the need for coming together," he said. "I hope that we can begin the healing," he added.
Talking about his decision to ask for a counting of provisional voters in Ohio, Mr Kerry said: "In America it is vital that every vote counts and is counted." Provisional ballots were issued to voters not properly registered but were allowed to vote. Mr Kerry said he decided to concede defeat when it became clear that "even after all the votes will be counted, we cannot win this election."
He said it's important that the outcome is decided by voters not by a legal process.
Mr Kerry, who was struggling to hold back his tears, said to his supporters: "I wish I could wrap you up in my arms and embrace each one of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
