The ministers, including US Secretary of State Colin Powell, also moved towards accord on post-war Iraq, he said.

"There have been divisions in the past. I see a growing consensus about the future," he told reporters.

"There was broad agreement... that the conflict in Iraq should be brought to an end as quickly as possible, that casualties be minimized and aid should be delivered to the people of Iraq as a matter of urgency," he said.

Regarding post-war reconstruction, "ministers made it clear that they see a need for the international community, especialy the United Nations with other international organizations, to engage as quickly as possible once the situation allows it," he said.

"The internal community must be ready to act," he said.

SPACE.WIRE