WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President George W. Bush will deliver his farewell address to the nation at 8 p.m. Thursday eastern time from the White House.

    White House press secretary Dana Perino said that Bush, following a tradition dating back to George Washington, will use the address to reflect on his eight years in office and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the next administration.

U.S. President George W. Bush is pictured during his last news conference in the Brady press briefing room at the White House in Washington January 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Earlier Monday, the president held his last press conference in the White House.

    Bush discussed his time in office and admitted that some aspects "didn't go according to plan" when it came to the Iraq war but asserted that the United States' reputation was still strong.

    He also urged President-elect Barack Obama not to fall prey to critics.

    Bush will leave office on Jan. 20, the day Obama will be inaugurated.

Bush reflects on legacy at final press conference

      WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- With only eight days left in office, U.S. President George W. Bush reflected on his legacy at his final White House press conference Monday. 

      Bush acknowledged his mistakes and "disappointments" on the war in Iraq and the government's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005,while defending his overall record.  Full story

Bush asks Congress for remaining $350 bln of bailout package

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- On behalf of President-elect Barack Obama, U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday formally asked Congress for the remaining 350 billion U.S. dollars from the 700-billion-dollar financial bailout fund.

    "We have shared design and analysis of several foreclosure mitigation options with the transition team and anticipate the remaining funds will be used in part for a foreclosure mitigation program and for expansion of existing programs," said a White House report. Full story

Bush says DPRK needs to honor commitments for improving bilateral ties

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said on Monday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) needs to stick to its commitments on denuclearization in order to improve bilateral relations.

    Speaking of the greatest threat President-elect Barrack Obama will face, Bush told reporters: "The most urgent threat that he'll have to deal with and other presidents after him will have to deal with is an attack on our homeland."  Full story

Bush reiterates call for sustainable ceasefire in Gaza

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday reiterated his call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that must Hamas stop its rocket attacks against Israel.

    "I'm for a sustainable ceasefire. And a definition of a sustainable ceasefire is that Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel," Bush told a press conference, believed to be his last before he leaves the White House on Jan. 20 after an eight-year presidency.  Full story