Iran and Syria dismiss Bush claims

Iran and Syria have been the subject of increasing US attacks

Iran and Syria have dismissed allegations by United States President George W Bush that both countries were harbouring terrorists.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said that, on the contrary, it was the US that was supporting terrorism, accusing Washington of allowing armed Iranian rebels to operate from inside Iraq.

Syria said the comments were part of what it called the constant pressure the US exerted on Damascus.

A Syrian foreign ministry spokeswoman said Washington was fully aware of Syria's co-operation in the international campaign against terrorism, but instead Mr Bush had simply repeated old allegations.

Iran has not been harbouring terrorists, but has been fighting against terrorists Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi

Mr Bush on Monday accused Iran and Syria of continuing to support terrorism and warned that the US may take action.

He also said Iran and Syria were undermining peace efforts in the Middle East and betraying the true interests of the Palestinian people.

Axis of evil

In one of his strongest threats to the two countries recently, Mr Bush said their behaviour was "completely unacceptable" and that any state which continued to support terror "will be held accountable".

Iran and Syria have been the subjects of increasing attacks by the Bush administration, which considers them state sponsors of terrorism.

Iran was named by Mr Bush as part of an "axis of evil" which also included Iraq and North Korea.

Syria was later added to the list by US officials, as were Libya and Cuba.