MDEIREJ, Lebanon - President Bush said Wednesday that Syria's withdrawal plans in Lebanon are just a "a half measure" and that Syrian intelligence services exercise "heavy handed" influence in Lebanon's government.

Bush reiterated his call on Syria to remove all of its soldiers and intelligence forces from Lebanon and said the United States was consulting with allies about possible steps if Damascus refuses.

"One thing a lot of people don't understand is Syrian influence is heavy handed through the involvement of intelligence services throughout the government," the president said in a brief question and answer session in the Oval Office. "And they must remove both for the election to be free." Parliamentary elections are scheduled for May.

MSNBC

TEHRAN, Iran - President Khatami said Wednesday that America's withdrawal plans in Iraq are just a "a half measure" and that Americian intelligence services exercise "heavy handed" influence in Iraq's government.

Khatami reiterated his call on America to remove all of its soldiers and intelligence forces from Iraq and said the United States was consulting with allies about possible steps if Washington refuses.

"One thing a lot of people don't understand is American influence is heavy handed through the involvement of intelligence services throughout the government," the president said in a brief question and answer session in the presidential Office. "And they must remove both for the election to be free." Parliamentary elections are scheduled for January.