Jordan paid a rare visit to the Saudi Shura Consultative Council, or parliament, to explain his country's position on the war on Iraq, a statement by the US embassy here said.

"The United States has no territorial interest in Iraq and is striving to avoid civilian casualties," the ambassador told the council's foreign relations committee.

"The United States will stay in Iraq only as long as necessary to ensure stability and security, and it is for the Iraqi people themselves to decide how to put together a government," Jordan said.

The ambassador also attempted to allay fears in the kingdom about the US intentions after toppling the Iraqi leader.

"The Middle East Partnership Initiative announced by US Secretary (of State) Colin Powell has been misunderstood by many in the Middle East," Jordan said of the US democratization program for the region.

"The US believes in the ideal that governments should reflect the will of their people, but is not trying to impose a version of democracy on anyone," he said, adding however, "We want people's voices to be heard."

The US democratization plan was severely criticized in the conservative kingdom.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri charged at a press conference in Baghdad Monday that the US-led forces waging war on Iraq are colonialists aiming to "partition" the country.

SPACE.WIRE