US President George W. Bush says he regrets some of the remarks he made during his tenure as the 43rd inhabitant of the White House.

"I regret saying some things I shouldn't have said," Bush told CNN on Tuesday.

"Like 'dead or alive' and 'bring 'em on.' My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say," he added.

A week after the September 11 attacks in the US, Bush said he wants justice for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. "There's an old poster out West that says, Wanted: Dead or Alive, "he added.

His comments attracted fierce criticism, as advisers said that although the comments might be popular in America, they would not be welcomed by European or Arab allies.

In 2003, the president told rebels in Iraq that "There are some who feel like that the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is, bring 'em on,"

During his interview the president said he shouldn't have spoken in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner during which he declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq.

"They had a sign that said 'Mission Accomplished.' It was a sign aimed at the sailors on the ship, but it conveyed a broader knowledge. To some it said, well, Bush thinks the war in Iraq is over, when I didn't think that. But nonetheless, it conveyed the wrong message," he said.

The 62 year old president said he has decided to 'get back' to Texas and 'take a deep breath' in January when he will be handing the White House over to President-elect Barack Obama.

MT/RA