Australian Prime Minister John Howard (L) shakes hands with US President George W. Bush during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House. Howard is in the US on a six-day official visit.(AFP photo)

BEIJING, July 20 -- US President George W. Bush and visiting Australian Prime Minister John Howard have rejected calls for an Iraq withdrawal timetable.

    Speaking to reporters after talks with Howard, Bush said that the American troops will be in Iraq "as long as necessary to complete the mission."

    Bush said that US troops' mission in Iraq is really important, noting US troops will not leave Iraq until the Iraqis are ready to do the fighting themselves.

    In his remarks, Howard also ruled out setting a timetable or withdrawing before Iraqi forces can ensure security and have built the foundations of a democracy.

    Australia, a staunch supporter of the US-led war on terror, currently maintains around 1,400 troops in and around Iraq.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)