Washington — U.S. President George W. Bush warned Syria on Sunday not to harbour fleeing Iraqi leaders while also suggesting members of the so-called "axis of evil" look to Iraq to understand his nation's position on weapons of mass destruction.
Mr. Bush did not say he was threatening military action against Iraq's western neighbour, but said of the Syrians: "They just need to co-operate."
Mr. Bush also charged that Syria has chemical weapons. He warned Syria and the other members of the "axis of evil," Iran and North Korea, that Iraq's example shows "we're serious about stopping weapons of mass destruction."
Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said earlier Sunday that some leading members of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's government had taken refuge in Syria.
Mr. Bush said he might contact Syrian leaders on Sunday to make clear his warning. His comments followed Mr. Rumsfeld's assertion that "there's no question" that some senior Iraqi leaders have fled to Syria.
Some have remained in Syria, while others have moved on to different countries, Mr. Rumsfeld said. He declined to identify the Iraqis or the other countries, or if the United States was prepared to take any punitive action against Syria.
"We certainly are hopeful Syria will not become a haven for war criminals or terrorists," Mr. Rumsfeld said.
Syria's deputy ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha denied that his country was harbouring escaped Iraqis. He said it was the responsibility of U.S. troops to monitor Iraq's border with Syria.
The Federation of American Scientists has said Syria is among 19 nations suspected of having or pursuing biological and chemical weapons. Syria has denied it.
Mr. Bush, who spent the weekend at Camp David in Maryland, was informed at about 7 a.m. EDT by his national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, that seven soldiers were released in Iraq. The president seemed especially upbeat as he returned Sunday afternoon to the White House.
"Today's a great day for the families, comrades and loved ones of the seven missing in action," Mr. Bush said. "It's just a good way to start the morning." He noted that several soldiers are still missing in Iraq.
Mr. Bush was irritated by media reports that focused on the chaos and looting in Iraq after the fall of Saddam's government.
"The statue (of the Iraqi president) went down on Wednesday, and the headlines start to read 'disorder,'" Mr. Bush said. "Well, no kidding!" He blamed the mayhem on conditions created by Mr. Hussein.
"It'll take a while to restore order out of the chaos, but we will," Mr. Bush said.
Asked what message he had for the Iraqi people, he said: "You're free, and freedom is beautiful."
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