Bush urges Iran, Syria aid neighbors Iraq, Lebanon

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) President George W Bush today urged Iran and Syria to support the governments of neighboring Iraq and Lebanon and warned against creating instability in those democracies.

''Iran and Syria understand full well that the world expects them to help Iraq. And we've made that very clear to them,'' Bush said at a news conference focused on the Iraq war.

Bush is under pressure to change his Iraq policy ahead of November 7 elections in which his Republican Party could lose control of Congress partly due to the unpopular war.

James Baker, former secretary of state with close ties to the Bush family, is heading an Iraq Study Group that is considering options to give to Bush, including opening a dialogue with Syria and Iran. Bush has rejected that suggestion in the past.

The United States has strained relations with Syria and no diplomatic ties with Iran, and has accused both countries of aiding terrorism and fueling armed groups inside Iraq.

''We've got a lot of issues with Iran. The first is whether or not they will help this young democracy succeed,'' Bush said referring to Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shi'ite like the majority in Iran, visited Tehran and received a pledge from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in September that Iran would give its ''full assistance'' to the Iraqi government to establish security.

The United States has led efforts at the United Nations to prevent Iran from moving ahead with its nuclear program, which the West suspects is a cover for developing weapons. Iran denies that accusation, saying its nuclear program is only for civilian purposes.

''If they would verifiably stop their enrichment, the United States will be at the table with them,'' Bush said. ''In the meantime, they understand our position and they understand, more importantly, the Iraqi position about the interference inside their country.'' The United States also expects Iran and Syria to support the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Bush said.

Hezbollah and its allies have demanded a new government in Lebanon since the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas ended in August. Siniora's government is dominated by anti-Syrian coalition which backs calls for disarming Hezbollah.

''Our message to Syria is consistent: Do not undermine the Siniora government in Lebanon,'' Bush said.

''Help Israel get back the prisoner that was captured by Hamas.

Don't allow Hamas and Hezbollah to plot attacks against democracies in the West Asia. Help inside of Iraq. They know our position, as well,'' he said.

Reuters PB DB2341