"Expressing national sentiment, this house condemns the war in Iraq by the US-led coalition. This is not acceptable," said a statement read out in parliament by speaker Manohar Joshi.

"The innocent people of Iraq, specially the pain of women and children, is a serious humanitarian issue and this house expresses serious anguish and deep sympathy (for them).

"This house also demands the war in Iraq end immediately and the coalition forces should withdraw," the statement said, adding the war was being waged beyond the charters of the UN.

It also insisted on the reconstruction of Iraq under close supervision of the United Nations and said India would send one billion rupees (20.4 million dollars) in cash and food to the Iraqi people through the UN.

The unanimous statement came after almost two days of squabbling between the government and opposition parties on its wording.

SPACE.WIRE