al-Qaeda renews threat to Europe

"We will not hesitate to shed blood in all parts of Europe, in Rome and other places, as long as countries move in the orbit of the pinnacle of unbelief, America," the statement by the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades said.

"From here from Italy, from Britain, from Bulgaria and all European countries we call on all our units to prepare themselves to enter the battle," said the message, posted on an Internet Web site and dated July 30.

"You will not enjoy security while you remain in the shadow of the despicable Bush," it added. Bush faces an election battle in November to retain the US presidency.

The message made reference to a three-month truce issued to European states by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.