WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush urged the Congress again on Friday to adopt his proposal on a new law defining the treatment of detained terror suspects.

President Bush on Friday urges Congress to adopt his proposal on a new law defining the treatment of detained terror suspects. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    Bush made his appeal at a White House news conference, warning that "the enemy wants to attack us again" and "time is running out."

    Responding to a letter written Thursday by former Secretary of State Colin Powell which criticized his plan on the detainee issue, the president said "it's unacceptable" to compare the behavior between the United States and the terrorists.

    Bush made the address one day after a Senate panel adopted a bill acknowledging the legal rights of terror suspects and calling for accordance with the Geneva Convention.

    The bill highlights the clash between the President and some lawmakers, including several Republican heavyweights, on the detainee issue.

    The president's proposal on the legislation is much harsher than the Senate bill, allowing classified evidence to be withheld from defendants in terror trials, using coerced testimony and protecting U.S. interrogators against legal prosecution for using methods that violate the Geneva Conventions.

    Bush used Friday's speech to make a new push for his proposal on the legislation, saying he intends to work with Congress to resolve the dispute but will stick to his positions.

    He said the issue will "defines whether or not we can protect ourselves. Congress has got a decision to make."

    Bush's proposal on the detainee legislation was seen as part of the Republican campaign to play the "security card" ahead of November's midterm elections.

    He said "there's a difference in attitude" between Republicans and Democrats on the issue of national security.

    On the Iran nuclear issue, the president said he has made it clear that "we will sit down with the Iranians once they verifiably suspend their enrichment program. I meant what I said."

    He also said he will not meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who also will attend the United Nations' general assembly in New York next week. Enditem