Clinton vows to fight US enemies

International diplomats meet in Istanbul to discuss counter-terrorism.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the forum that al-Qaeda still posed a threat to the United States and that Washington would continue to fight the group.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:

"We will always maintain our right to use force against groups such as al-Qaeda that have attacked us and still threaten us with imminent attack. And in doing so, we will comply with the applicable law, including the laws of war, and go to extraordinary lengths to ensure precision and avoid the loss of innocent life."

However, she said the U.S. considered the use of torture unacceptable.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:

"When nations violate human rights and undermine the rule of law, even in the pursuit of terrorists, it feeds radicalisation, gives propaganda tools to the extremists, and ultimately undermines our efforts."

Clinton also announced that the U.S. would contribute 15 million U.S. dollars to an initiative aimed at rehabilitating so called "violent extremist offenders" in prisons.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters