Kerry used the Democratic Party's weekly radio address to make a new appeal for a dramatic change to US policy in the country US force invaded in March 2003 and where they are still struggling to restore order.

"Staying the course does not mean stubbornly holding to the wrong course," said the Massachusetts senator who will take on Bush in the November 2 presidential election.

"In order to complete our mission, we must review our tactics. We need strategies that reflect realistic goals and the facts on the ground."

Kerry said Bush and other US leaders had to be "honest with the American people about the difficulties we face in Iraq" and more troops must be sent to secure Iraq.

"Third, we must remove the 'Made in America' label from the Iraqi occupation."

Kerry said the an international mission approved by the United Nations must be set up to organise elections, restore government services and help rebuild the Iraqi economy.

"Finally, we should transform the military force in Iraq into a NATO security force under the leadership of an American commander, so that the United States is not shouldering the burdens and risks alone."

Kerry said "the failure of the administration to internationalise the conflict has lost us time, momentum, and credibility."