Iraq PM says Bush reiterates backing in phone call

BAGHDAD, Jan 27 (Reuters) Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's office said US President George W Bush had expressed his full backing for a planned security crackdown in Baghdad during a phone call between the two leaders today.

''The US president repeated in the phone call ... his commitment to support the Baghdad security plan and his complete readiness to provide the requirements for its success, as well as his political support for the government,'' Maliki's office said in a statement.

Bush has said he will send 21,500 extra troops to Iraq, most to Baghdad, but has run into fierce opposition from the newly Democrat dominated Congress. Opinion polls also show the US public is sceptical about sending more soldiers.

Earlier this month Maliki called for more weapons for the Iraqi army and police, saying that if they were better armed, Iraqi security forces could more quickly take over responsibility for security in Iraq.

REUTERS SY RK2136