"There has not been any such decision by the United Nations, we do not see any reason to break our diplomatic relations with the state of Iraq," government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Cape Town.

"A formal response to this effect will be communicated as soon as possible to the US administration."

He said South Africa would be guided on its positions by the United Nations, the SAPA news agency reported.

"Iraq remains a member of the United Nations, and the issue of the legality of the Iraqi state has not arisen there," Netshitenzhe said.

Washington last month requested governments worldwide to shut down Iraqi embassies and diplomatic missions in their respective countries until new authorities were in power in Baghdad.

South Africa has been arguing against the US-led war in Iraq, saying it will have a negative impact on the African continent's social and economic recovery programme.

The country sent a team of local weapons experts to Iraq at the beginning of March to assist Iraqi officials with the disarmament process in an attempt to avoid war.

SPACE.WIRE