Region | Palestinian Territories

Bush tells Syria, Iran to curb Iraq violence

US President George W. Bush pressures Syria and Iran to do more to ease militant attacks in Iraq, where he says plans to reduce US troops are on track.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 12:29 January 12, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • US President George W. Bush arrives to deliver remarks to US troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait on Saturday.
  • Image Credit: Reuters

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait: US President George W. Bush on Saturday urged Syria and Iran to do more to help ease terrorist and militant attacks in Iraq.

Syria must "further reduce the flow of terrorists" into Iraq and urged Iran to "stop supporting militias" that attack US forces and Iraqis, Bush said.

Speaking after a meeting with military officials at a base in Kuwait, Bush also said he was on track to reach his goal of reducing the number of US troops in Iraq by July.

"I will be on track to get down to 15" brigades from 20, Bush said after meeting his top commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and US ambassador Ryan Crocker.

Bush said security improvements in Iraq "are allowing some US forces to return home" and that additional reductions will be based on Petraeus's recommendations.

Bush said security had greatly improved in Iraq since a US troop "surge" was launched last year.

"Levels of violence are significantly reduced. Hope is returning to Baghdad," he said, adding that the Al Qaida network in Iraq had been "dealt heavy blows".

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