Bush backs Rumsfeld - and finally says sorry

US President George W Bush yesterday said that Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld “will stay in my Cabinet” despite calls for his resignation by Democrats in the wake of the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at the hands of American captors.

“Secretary Rumsfeld has served our nation well. [He] has been the secretary during two wars, and he is an important part of my Cabinet.”

Mr Bush’s unambiguous endorsement came as Mr Rumsfeld was preparing for what promises to be two contentious sessions with congressional committees today. OK