NATO chief George Robertson said that some countries were strongly in favour of such a role, but at least one anti-war country -- Germany -- expressed skepticism.

Powell, speaking after meeting his North Atlantic Treaty Organization counterparts in Brussels, said no state had refused to consider the proposal, originally made by Washington in December.

"What I am pleased about today is that all of my NATO colleagues saw that as a possibility and were willing to consider it," he told reporters.

US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz proposed the idea of a post-war NATO role during a visit to Brussels in December, but it was shelved notably due to reservations by anti-war countries.

NATO chief George Robertson said some countries were very keen for the alliance to have a role in Iraq.

"Some countries are strongly in favor of a NATO role, none excluded it," he told reporters.

"The issue of whether or how NATO might be able to contribute to this effort will need to be considered carefully, including in the light of decisions taken by the UN," he added.

But German Foreign Minister Joshka Fischer immediately poured cold water on the suggestion, saying the US proposal was "a very abstract idea, about which we are skeptical."

NATO was plunged into an unprecedented crisis in February after Germany, France and Belgium blocked a US request to help boost Turkey's defences in preparation for a war.

The ministers were speaking after a meeting of the alliance's decision-making North Atlantic Council (NAC).

Powell, while specifying that he had not reiterated the US request during Thursday's talks, said the US proposal foresaw a NATO role including "peacekeeping, things of that nature."

"I am pleased that there was at least a receptive attitude... that NATO as a group is willing to consider a NATO military role if one is appropriate."

But he said: "That's a judgement that will have to be made at some time in the future," adding: "The important thing is that nobody raised any objection to that possibility."

Earlier a diplomat said that Powell would "indicate that (the US is) willing for NATO to play a role, but they are very careful to appear demanding," said the source.

"A significant number of countries are willing to see a NATO role, but a significant number of countries are also worried about that."

The Americans "don't want to rebuffed," said the diplomat after a meeting between Powell and NATO chief George Robertson.

Meanwhile Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said NATO ambassadors could meet next week to "consider" the possibility of the alliance playing a role in Iraq.

SPACE.WIRE