"The international community has to act to counter the humanitarian risk," de Villepin told a news conference, emphasizing he hoped the United Nations would play a prominent role in post-war Iraq.

"I am pleased with this meeting, which comes after several difficult weeks between our two countries, even if dialogue has never stopped," he added.

France is staunchly opposed to the US-British invasion of Iraq, now in its 21st day.

French President Jacques Chirac insisted on Tuesday that it was up to the United Nations -- not Britain or the United States -- to decide Iraq's future.

De Villepin said Paris hoped the conflict would end rapidly and insisted on the need to prevent the fragmentation of Iraq.

"We hope this war ends as quickly as possible and the unity of Iraq is maintained," he said.

A British official said on Tuesday London and Paris were now trying to mend fences despite their divisions over Iraq.

De Villepin said Britain and France shared a "long common history", while Straw told the news conference the two sides wanted to maintain and strengthen their ties, despite "differences of emphasis" over Iraq.

SPACE.WIRE