George W. Bush has vetoed legislation that would have forced him to start pulling US troops out of Iraq this year. The bill he has rejected, from the Democrat-controlled Congress, links war funding to a timetable for withdrawal. "Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure and that would be irresponsible," Bush said in a nationally televised speech.

"Second, the bill would impose impossible conditions on our commanders in combat. After forcing most of our troops to withdraw, the bill would dictate the terms in which the remaining commanders and troops could engage the enemy."

Congress leaders signed the bill exactly four years after the US President declared major combat operations in Iraq over.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "If the president thinks that what is happening on the ground in Iraq now is progress, as he said in his comments tonight, then it is clear to see why we have a disagreement on policy with him. I agree with Leader Reid. We look forward to working with the president to find common ground but there is great distance between us right now."

With compromise talks set to take place at the White House today, critics of the Republican Bush administration are keen to remind Americans of the four year anniversary.

The group "Americans United for Change" has launched a TV ad campaign, featuring the president's speech in 2003. The ad says that four years after he declared major combat operations in Iraq over, "George Bush still won't face reality."

PHOTO CAPTION

President George W. Bush, seen here leaving the White House, warned Democrats Friday not to "test my will" by passing new legislation on a US troop pullout from Iraq after he vetoes a bill passed by Congress this week. (AFP)