He also rejected any US administration, even temporary, in Baghdad.

"The period of transition and national reconciliation will be important. And if I were to be called upon, I would be willing to help with such a task as coordinator.

"After all, I am a native of the region and I can speak directly to all the sides concerned, better than most from outside the region," said the 56-year-old prince who was brother of the late King Hussein.

Prince Hassan bin Talal warned against a US-led administration in Baghdad once the war is finished.

"With a military government, you can control people, but you can't win over their hearts," he said.

Citing post-World War II Germany, he said "the Americans occupied Germany after the Second World War but let Konrad Adenauer govern," he said referring to the charismatic and well-liked German statesman who helped lay the groundwork for democracy and rose to lead the new West German government.

"Adenauer knew the value of democratic institutions. It would be a fatal error to treat Iraqis like second class citizens," he said.

The prince also suggested that economic reasons were largely behind the Washington's drive into Iraq, along with "a missionary ardor and the traumatism of September 11".

"In late 2000, the Iraqis decided to export their oil solely on the basis of the euro. If that had started a trend, the consequences would have been devastating for the dollar," the prince said.

SPACE.WIRE