Bush says US to increase troop presence in Iraq

US President George W Bush said today the United States would boost the presence of US troops and Iraqi security personnel in Baghdad in an effort to curb the violence in the capital.

President Bush told reporters he and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki discussed the plan at a meeting at the White House. He said forces would be moved to the capital from other areas of the country.

"Obviously the violence in Baghdad is still terrible," Bush said during a joint White House news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.

President Bush had praised Maliki's signature programme to reduce violence during their last meeting in Baghdad in June.

Mr Bush praised the beleaguered leader for his courage and perseverance in the face of sectarian violence.

Recent violence has sapped political support for the more than three-year-old war in Iraq, in both the United States and Iraq.

"He comes wondering whether or not we are committed. He hears all kinds of things coming out of the United States," he said.

"And I assured him that this government stands by the Iraqi people." Standing beside Bush during his first visit to Washington as prime minister,

Maliki reiterated his call for an immediate end to hostilities between the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and Israel.

"I also emphasised the importance of immediate cease-fire and call on international community to support the Lebanese government, to support the Lebanese people to overcome the damage and destruction that happened," Maliki said.

The Bush administration opposes an immediate cease-fire, which the US President claims would only lead to more violence in the future.

"I told him I support a sustainable cease-fire that will bring about an end to violence," President Bush said.

Mr Bush added that he is concerned about Lebanese civilians killed and harmed by the Israeli assault.

On Capitol Hill, where Maliki is to address Congress tomorrow, some politicians threatened to boycott the speech because the Iraqi leader has condemned Israel's attacks in Lebanon.

AP