Bush, Allawi discuss situation in Iraq: White House

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Thursday spoke with Iraq's interim prime minister, Iyad Allawi, about the formation of the country's new government, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
"They discussed the security situation in Iraq, they talked about the political process that is underway in Iraq to form the transitional government and the importance of making sure that that is an Iraqi process," McClellan said.
He added that Bush and Allawi also "talked about the need for Syria and Iran to stop interfering in internal Iraqi affairs, including the formation of the new government.
"In terms of Syria, we've made very clear that they need to act to go after the regime elements that are operating out of the Syrian territory and planning attacks on innocent Iraqis," McClellan said.
"In terms of Iran, we have increasing concerns about Iran trying to influence the shape of the transitional government. That should be determined by the Iraqi people," he added.

03/03/2005 15:27 GMT