"France is of course pleased at the stance that has been taken by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair," de Villepin told reporters after talks here with his Kuwaiti opposite number, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah.

"I think we are all agreed on giving the United Nations an important role -- France is talking about a central role," he said.

At a summit meeting in Northern Ireland, Bush and Blair said that the United Nations would play a vital role in post-war Iraq, offering reassurances that Washington will not act unilaterally.

"The rebuilding of Iraq will require the support and expertise of the international community. We're committed to working with international institutions, including the United Nations, which will have a vital role to play in this task," Bush said.

Earlier on Tuesday French President Jacques Chirac reiterated his position on the UN role in any future Iraq.

"After a necessary phase of establishing a secure environment, the time for reconstruction will begin, during which wisdom dictates that the United Nations play a central role," Chirac told reporters.

SPACE.WIRE