US President George W Bush has dismissed calls for the resignation of his Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld.
His comments come after six retired generals spoke out against Mr Rumsfeld's handling of the war in Iraq and apparent disdain for experienced military commanders.
In a statement, Mr Bush said Mr Rumsfeld's energetic and steady leadership was what was needed during what he called a critical period.
In an interview with the Arabic television service al-Arabiya, Mr Rumsfeld made it clear the he was not going to bow to pressure.
