Syria beginning to get message, says Bush

US President George W Bush yesterday said Syria is "beginning to get the message" on co-operating with the United States to capture fleeing Iraqi leaders.

The president lowered the rhetoric against the Iraqi neighbour since the recent escalation of tensions over Bush administration claims that Syria was helping Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime during the war and harbouring its officials once Saddam was ousted.

US officials have demanded that the Syrian haven be closed.