Bush, Malaysian leader Badawi consult on Mideast

WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) President George W Bush today expressed concern to Malaysia's prime minister about what he called interference in Lebanon by Syria and Iran.

Bush spoke by phone to Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose country is currently the chair of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Conferences.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Bush and Abdullah had a wide-ranging discussion on the West Asia and reiterated their commitment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

They also discussed Iran's nuclear program, which Washington believes is aimed at developing an atomic weapon, a charge Tehran denies.

''The president expressed his strong concern regarding Iranian and Syrian interference in Lebanon,'' Fratto said.

The Bush administration accuses Syria and Iran of fomenting unrest in Lebanon in an attempt to destabilize the democratic government there.

Reuters AB GC2329