Bush re-opens Reagan National airport

The last US airport closed after the terror attack on New York is reopening. Washington's Reagan National Airport will reopen on Thursday under intense security.

President Bush says the move is a symbol that the US is returning to normal.

He used the announcement to urge Americans not to shrink from the threat of terrorism.

"There is no greater symbol that America is back in business than the reopening of this airport," Mr Bush said. "Terror will not stand."

The President is also warning Afghanistan's ruling Taliban will suffer certain consequences for the attacks on the US unless it meets his demands that it turn over Osama bin Laden.

Mr Bush's remarks came at a White House meeting with congressional leaders of both parties.

"I have said that the Taliban must turn over the al-Qaida organisation living in Afghanistan and must destroy the terrorist camps. They must do so, otherwise there will be a consequence," Mr Bush said.

"There are no negotiations. There is no calendar."

House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt emerged from the meeting with Mr Bush carrying a message of his own for the Taliban: "I think the time's running short."

Mr Bush said America is still vulnerable, "I say America needs to be on alert, but we've got to get back to business. Americans know their government is doing everything it can. We're on full alert in America."