Bush gives show of support to Iraqi gov't

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) President George W Bush today rejected calls to sharply increase pressure on the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to assume more responsibility for security.

''We're pressing Iraq's leaders to take bold measures to save their country. We're making it clear that America's patience is not unlimited,'' Bush told a news conference.

''We will not put more pressure on the Iraqi government than it can bear,'' Bush said.

His comments were a show of support for Maliki's government. Some lawmakers have been calling on the Bush administration to increase pressure on the Iraqi government through the threat of withdrawal of troops or other measures, if the security situation in Iraq does not improve.

REUTERS PB KP2048