Bush pledges support for Iraqi government

BAGHDAD, June 13 (Reuters) US President George W Bush pledged US backing for Iraq's new government today, telling the country's prime minister that ''when America gives its word, it keeps its word.'' Bush spoke during a meeting with Iraqi Cabinet ministers gathered at the US Embassy during a surprise visit by the president to Baghdad.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Bush, ''We are determined to succeed and we have to defeat terrorists and defeat all the hardships.'' ''God willing all the suffering will be over, all the soldiers will return to their countries with our gratitude, for what they have offered, the sacrifices,'' said Maliki, sitting next to Bush at a long conference table.

Bush told Maliki, ''I have come to not only look you in the eye, I've also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it keeps its word.'' He said it was in US interest that Iraq succeed and that he was impressed by what he had seen of Maliki and his unity government.

Reuters SY GC2108