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Gates, an agent of change: Bush

WASHINGTON: U.S. President George W. Bush gave on Saturday an additional indication that his policy towards Iraq could change by calling a new Defence Secretary-designate ``an agent of change.''

In his weekly radio address, Mr. Bush reaffirmed his determination to fight terrorism and said Iraq remained ``the central front in this war on terror'' despite a Democratic victory in congressional elections last Tuesday.

But he made it clear he was open to ideas presented by Democrats and a group of independent experts working on proposals for Iraq, with whom the President was scheduled to meet at the White House on Monday.

Mr. Bush also commented on his decision to nominate the former CIA Director, Robert Gates, to replace Donald Rumsfeld.

The President said the former CIA chief ``has shown that he is an agent of change''.

``As Secretary of Defence, he will provide a fresh outlook on our strategy in Iraq, and what we need to do to prevail.''

Mr. Bush acknowledged that the situation in Iraq had significantly contributed to a defeat suffered by Republicans in the November 7 elections.

``The elections will bring changes to Washington,'' he said.

``But one thing has not changed: America faces brutal enemies who have attacked us before and want to attack us again. I have a message for these enemies: Do not confuse the workings of American democracy with a lack of American will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice, and we will prevail.''

5 U.S. troops killed

In Baghdad, the U.S. military has announced the deaths of three soldiers and two Marines, bringing the number of U.S. troops killed this month to 26.

At least 2,846 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. — Agencies

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