Facing another decision about US troop numbers in Iraq by spring, US President George W. Bush said on Saturday it is fine with him if generals recommend no more cuts than those planned to drop the force level to about 130-thousand.

Bush made the remarks during a meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

Bush also commended Iraq's parliament for passing legislation reinstating thousands of former supporters of Saddam Hussein's now-dissolved Baath party to government jobs.

It's an important step toward reconciliation, it's an important sign that the leaders of that country understand that they must work together to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

The measure relaxes restrictions on the right of Baath party members to fill government posts. It is also designed to reinstate thousands of Baathists expelled from government jobs.

Bush was welcomed in Bahrain, host to US Navy's 5th fleet, after spending a day in Kuwait meeting with its leaders and addressing US troops based there.