But the task will be "delicate" as anti-war countries focus on demands for a central role for the United Nations after the conflict, diplomats said.

Powell's talks with European Union and NATO foreign ministers will be his first since the Iraq crisis spiralled into war, throwing Europe into disarray and straining transatlantic ties to breaking point.

"I have no doubt that whatever their views on the war, America and Europe will work together to help the liberated people of Iraq for a better future in the region", said Powell ahead of the meeting.

European leaders meanwhile also want to rebuild bridges with the Americans, one diplomat said, calling the meeting "delicate."

The Brussels meeting "is a sign that nobody wants to be cut off from the Americans for a long time, above all if one wants to have an influence on what happens after the war," he said.

Among others, Powell will hold one-on-one talks with France's Dominique de Villepin and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, whose countries have led opposition to the war.

Germany's Joschka Fischer and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, diametically opposed on the war, will also be among ministers lunching with Powell in Brussels.

Security will be tight for the talks, with activists in fiercely anti-war Belgium announcing plans for demonstrations outside NATO headquarters where the meetings will take place.

Powell, due in Brussels late Wednesday, said he wants to "see how to bring the international community behind the effort to rebuild the country after decades of destruction."

Powell will notably attend a meeting of NATO's decision-making North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of foreign ministers.

NATO was plunged into an unprecedented crisis in February after three anti-war countries blocked a US request to help boost Turkey's defences in preparation for a war.

The row was resolved after a deal bypassed France. But Germany and Belgium, while reluctantly agreeing, have since threatened to withdraw their support if Turkish troops move into northern Iraq.

That issue is likely to be discussed at Thursday's talks in Brussels, which come after Powell visited Ankara on Wednesday.

Powell said Wednesday there was no need for Turkey to send military forces into northern Iraq as US forces there had the situation "under control."

"There is no need for any movement of Turkish forces across the border" he said in Ankara.

Meanwhile Powell will also have a joint meeting with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the EU Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The European Union, while deeply split between the French-led anti-war camp and the pro-US group led by Britain, is mostly agreed on the need for a "central" role for the UN.

Powell said in Ankara: "I think there is a consensus that says the UN has a role to play. What we have to work out is what exactly is the nature of that role."

And, speaking by video linkup to a conference in Greece which currently holds the EU presidency, he underlined Washington's desire to work with Europe.

"The US strongly believe that a strong EU is good for Europe, good for America and good for the world... The challenges of the 21st century cannot be met by any single government," he said.

A NATO official declined to be drawn on hopes for reconciliation at the Brussels meeting.

"There will be open and frank discussions, as diplomats say," he said, adding: "We should not be overambitious."

SPACE.WIRE