Bush: CIA program vital

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush said Friday Congress is obligated to give intelligence professionals clear direction in the fight against terrorism.

One day after a Senate panel indicated it would not go along with Bush's backing of a secret CIA effort to question captured al-Qaida suspects, Bush told a White House news conference the program has yielded information vital to protecting the United States.

Bush warned if Congress does not clarify international law: "Our professionals could be held to account under laws passed in other countries. ... Give them the tools necessary to protect us under the law.

"They're not going forward with the program unless there's clarity in the law. Congress has got a decision to make: Do you want the program to go forward or not. I strongly recommend that we go forward."