””WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George Bush denounced on Thursday the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Iraq as "an evil act" aimed at creating civil strife in the country.

    "The act was an evil act. The destruction of a holy site is a political act intending to create strife. So I am pleased with thevoices of reason that have spoken out. And we will continue to work with those voices of reason to enable Iraq to continue on thepath of a democracy that unites people and does not divide them," Bush said in remarks at a Cabinet meeting.

    Bush said the United States was serious in its commitment to helping Iraq rebuild the Golden Mosque that was bombed on Wednesday.

    "We understand its importance to Iraqi society and we want to stand side by side with the government in making sure that the beautiful dome is restored," Bush said.

    The Golden Mosque, located some 95 kilometers north of Baghdad,is among Iraq's most sacred sites for Shiite Muslims and draws visiting pilgrims from around the Islamic world. Enditem