Pledging to 'destroy' the Al Qaeda and other terrorist outfits, Democratic Presidential hopeful John Kerry's running mate, Senator John Edwards said that if elected, the Democrats would restore America's relations with allies around the world.

Addressing delegates on the third day of the four-day Democratic National Convention at Boston's FleetCenter, Edwards described Kerry as "decisive and strong," and asked: "Is this not what we need in a commander in chief?"

While "we will always use our military might to keep the American people safe," Edwards said both he Kerry  had "one clear message for al Qaida: you cannot run, you cannot hide, we will destroy you".

Referring to Kerry's service in Vietnam, for which he was decorated, Edwards said: "John put his life on the line. He knows when authority is given to a president much is expected in return.

"We have got to restore our respect in our world and bring our allies to us. It is how we won the Cold War, it is how we won two world wars and it is how we we will restore a stable Iraq."

Arguing that by reviving America's relations with its allies Nato could be used to help stabilise Iraq, he said: "We will get this done right. A new president will bring the world to our side and with it, a stable Iraq."

Stability in Iraq would in turn help create a "secure Israel," and  America would work with the world to help minimise the threat of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, he said.

Mr Edwards accused the Republicans of "doing all they can to take the campaign for the highest office in the land down to the lowest possible road."

Democrats unite on day two

He also referred to his own rise from being the son of a mill worker, to being the first in his family to go to college, and now being candidate for the vice presidency.

Promising more jobs, tax breaks for parents of college students, a raise in the minimum wage and wider health care, he said the new social schemes would be paid for by ending tax breaks for the country's wealthiest people.

Delegates from different states then officially endorsed him as Mr Kerry's running mate.

Kerry choses former rival as running mate

Hours earlier, Kerry arrived in Boston Harbour aboard a water taxi after a hectic campaign across several states. He was accompanied by former crew members from his time as a Navy Swift Boat captain in the Vietnam War. 

"This has been an amazing journey for me over the last few days. The whole thing has been an amazing journey," he said.  "From the beginning of reaching out to Americans and going into people's homes and having people just share their personal stories and hopes for our nation. Nobody can ever properly give the honor due to that privilege, that gift." 

"I can not tell you how much I am looking forward to my opportunity a little more than 24 hours from now to share with you and all of America a vision for how we are going to make this country stronger at home and respected in the world" he said.