Megawati, speaking during a presidential function, said that even when the war began on March 20 she was convinced it would be protracted because of the Iraqis' strong sense of patriotism.

"What we see is how a nation is dedicated to defend the state and the nation," she said. "I say it will be a long war."

Megawati supported the United States in its "war on terror" after the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington. But she and her government have strongly criticised the US-led invasion of Iraq.

SPACE.WIRE