BAGHDAD, Feb 23: US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Monday accused Iran and Syria of allowing militants to cross their borders into Iraq to carry out attacks.

"Syria and Iran have not been helpful to the people of Iraq", he told journalists during a visit to Baghdad. "Indeed they have been unhelpful. "They have allowed people to move from their countries to engage in terrorist attacks against the Iraqi people."

Asked if pressure should be put on Damascus and Tehran to cease their alleged activities, Mr Rumsfeld replied: "That wouldn't be a bad thing." Asked if there was official Syrian and Iranian support for people crossing the borders, he said: "We know Iran has harbored Al Qaeda, we know they had people moving across the border. They were certainly aware of that."

Mr Rumsfeld added: "We know Syria has been a hospitable place for escaping Iraqis" following the occupation of Iraq. -AFP