WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush strongly condemned the murder of Lebanese industry minister Pierre Gemayel on Tuesday and warned Syria and Iran over alleged attempts to stir instability in Lebanon.

    "We strongly condemn the assassination today in Lebanon of  Pierre Gemayel," Bush told American troops in Hawaii during a trip back home from Asia.

    "We support the Siniora government and its democracy and we support the Lebanese people's desire to live in peace and we support their efforts to defend their democracy against attempts by Syria, Iran and allies to foment instability and violence in that important country," Bush said.

    Bush demanded that Syria treat Lebanon as a "genuinely sovereign neighbor" and establish full diplomatic relations with Lebanon.

    Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a telephone call to Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and reaffirmed U.S. support.

    Bush made the remarks after the Lebanese minister was shot dead on a street in the suburb of Beirut on Tuesday. The assassination is expected to further worsen the political crisis in Lebanon.