"The relevant parties (in the war) should waste no time to take measures to improve the humanitarian situation," Li said in a phone conversation with Ivanov, according to state television. "China is preparing humanitarian aid."

Li said "a peaceful solution to the Iraq issue within the framework of the United Nations" was the only way to bring long-term security and peace to the area.

Ivanov said Russia supported a leading role for the UN in the reconstruction of post-war Iraq, state television said.

At a briefing earlier in the day, China's foreign ministry also said it supported a key role for the UN in Iraq after the end of hostilities.

Both foreign ministers said in their telephone conversation that they were in favor of a solution to the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue.

SPACE.WIRE