President Bush has called for "a new and hopeful chapter in human history" on the anniversary of the US terrorist attacks.

In a statement issued by the White House, he predicted that that America would "always remember the outpouring of friendship and support from nations around the world".

"I thank the millions of people from every nation who share our grief over the loss of innocent life, and who share our resolve to lift the dark cloud of terror from our world," he said.

There also came a warning that America's war on terrorism was far from over and America was not alone in being targeted by Osama Bin Laden."We face an enemy of ruthless ambition, unconstrained by law or morality. The terrorists who attacked on September 11 despise other religions, and have defiled their own," he said.

"They are determined to expand the scale and scope of their murder. The terror that targeted New York and Washington one year ago could strike any centre of civilisation."

The toppling of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has been just one of a series of victories; around the world assets had been frozen and thousands of terrorist suspects had been arrested, said Bush.

The president warned the campaign against al Qaeda would not be a short-term initiative.

"In the current stage of our campaign, our coalition is not opposing a nation, but a network. Victory will come over time, as that network is patiently and steadily dismantled," he said.

The White House statement also repeated that the fightback was not a war on religions but a "battle between civilisation and ruthless violence".

His message ended on a positive note. "We have a chance to write a new and hopeful chapter in human history; a story of courage defeating cruelty and light overcoming darkness. This calling is worthy of any life, and of every nation," he concluded.