President George W. Bush on Thursday called on Americans to expect a long war against terrorism, warning them that they were not immune from further attack and issuing an ultimatum to the rulers of Afghanistan.

In a somewhat emotional address to both houses of Congress, attended by others including Rudolph Giuliani, New York's mayor, and Tony Blair, UK prime minister, he said: "Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."

Mr Bush said evidence so far pointed to "a collection of loosely affiliated terrorist organisations known as al Qaeda", led by Saudi exile, Osama bin Laden. The group was linked, he said, to other organisations including the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

In a strong message directed at the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan, of whose country Mr bin Laden is a guest, he called on them to hand over all the leaders of the al Qaeda hiding in the country, to close all terrorist training camps and give the US full access to the terrorists.

The demands were not open to negotiation or discussion. "The Taliban must act and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share their fate," he said.

However, while the war on terror would begin with al Qaeda, it would not end there, Mr Bush warned. "It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated," he said.

The campaign would involve more than instant retaliation and more than isolated strikes. "Americans should not expect one battle but a lengthy campaign," he said.

"Every nation, in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbour or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime."

He said he would appoint Tom Ridge, Pennsylvania governor and a campaign supporter, to a new cabinet position heading an office of homeland security.

"Freedom and fear are at war. ... Our nation - this generation - will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future," he added.

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