France's major dailies suggested that a video message by the al-Qaeda boss aired late Friday, which threatens fresh attacks on the United States, would benefit incumbent President George W. Bush.

"Will his message help George W. Bush or John Kerry? Difficult to say, although voters seem to have faith in the former to fight terrorism," the conservative daily Le Figaro said in a commentary.

Under the headline "Total Suspense in Bush-Kerry Duel", the left-leaning Liberation commented: "The bin Laden video could help the outgoing president, who is banking on a fear of terrorism to win voters. But the battle is very tight."

But Germany's Financial Times Deutschland disagreed. "The provocation succeeded but it will have little effect."

"Voters for Bush will feel strengthened in their opinion that the fight against terrorism must continue unchanged," the paper said. "Those for (Senator John) Kerry consider (this message) as new proof of the failure of the Bush administration."

Die Welt also said the video would have no bearing on who wins the US election. "Bin Laden is on the defensive, weaker than ever and his message has been lost in the wind," it said.

Russia's opposition newspapers Nezavissimaia and Kommersant also said bin Laden will have no influence on voters who "have already made their choice".