"Nothing would be worse than a conflagration of the region," he said when questioned on Syria, which has expressed strong support for Iraq in its war against a US-led force, adding that it was important "not to fan the flames of the conflict".

In an interview with France's LCI television network Villepin said that Friday's adoption of a UN resolution allowing the resumption of the oil-for-food programme showed "a desire to do everything to reduce the horror and the suffering".

Referring to recent contacts with British prime minister Tony Blair, de Villepin said that Paris and London share the belief that the UN's role must be central to Iraq's post-war reconstruction.

"Both countries are aware of the risks being run in the region," he said, warning that if a great deal of care was not taken, "the peace may be as dramatic as the war."

SPACE.WIRE