Spokesman Scott McClellan said an investigation of the alleged abuse at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib was announced in a news statement by the Pentagon in January and that Rumsfeld had informed the president about the allegations.

A report of that investigation was completed in March, but the issue blew up in the press last week when a television network showed photographs of Iraqi detainees at the U.S. run facility being sexually humiliated.

McClellan, asked Wednesday if Bush believed Rumsfeld should resign over the scandal which has blown up into a major controversy in the United States and around the world, replied, "No."

McClellan repeated that Bush was appalled by the alleged incidents and photographs and expected those responsible to be held legally accountable. At least six soldiers are currently facing criminal and possibly disciplinary action.

Bush Wedneday was giving an interview with an Arab television station in a personal attempt to explain the situation to the Arab people and make clear the actions of a few did not reflect American values or justice.

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