"Several weeks ago, the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga had lent its support to the diplomatic efforts made under the auspices of the United Nations for a peaceful resolution with regards to the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq," the statement said.

"This process has however been unsuccessful, and the United States has now led a Coalition Operation to disarm Iraq of its aforesaid weapons."

Tupou had written to President George Bush in which he said: "I send our support to you and the people of America for your efforts to protect international peace and security and to restore to the people of Iraq the control of their own destiny."

Tonga has a 430-man defence force which has rarely ever left the kingdom and mainly functions as a palace guard.

SPACE.WIRE