Kofi Annan UN Gen Sec warns US over Iraq
In a BBC interview, Mr Annan underlined the importance of multinational support for any such action, which he said should also be sanctioned by the UN Security Council.
Referring to the unexpected consequences of any conflict, he pointed to fears that Iraq could break up and destabilise the entire Gulf region. Mr Annan said the Security Council should play a crucial role in any decision.
German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, has said that a war against Iraq would undermine the international coalition against terrorism, built after the suicide attacks on the United States a year ago.
Mr Schroeder reiterated in the television interview that Germany would not join any military action against Iraq. He said that he would not change his stance even if he wins the 22 September election.
