"As for the post-war construction, China is for a leading role of the United Nations in this regard," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told journalists.

"Only in so doing can we realize lasting peace and stability in the Gulf region."

In New York Monday, UN chief Kofi Annan said that the United Nations was key to legitimising any interim administration in Baghdad, as he unveiled a diplomatic push to rally support for a major UN role.

Annan later this week will meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to garner support for a UN role.

Liu said China's support for a UN role in post-war Iraq was not unique and that many other countries would also support such a position.

"I believe this position is not unique and has been shared by many countries around the world, which is the UN should play a leading role in post-war construction."

He also called for the end of hostilities there.

"On the question of Iraq, China has on many occasions appealed for the early end of the war in Iraq so as to avoid severe casualties and influence international peace and economic stability," Liu said.

SPACE.WIRE