"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 the close supervision of the United Nations, and said India would send one billion rupeesmillion 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, jamming work in parliament since it reopened Monday after a month's vacation.

The government had offered a statement "deploring" the war, but the opposition insisted the wording was not strong enough.

Media reports had previously speculated that the government's low-key response to the war in Iraq, calling it "unjustified and unavoidable", was aimed at preserving friendly ties with the United States.

"The right of pre-emptive strikes are being propagated which is very dangerous. Those who are committed to the United Nations charters should conduct themselves according to it," said communist leader Somnath Chatterjee.

SPACE.WIRE