"The government in Baghdad we will deal with is the one chosen by the Iraqi people. We will not anticipate events. We will accept whatever the Iraqi people decide," Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said.

"The way should be open before the Iraqi people to choose the means by which they wish to run their own affairs and the occupation should end as soon as possible," Prince Saud told a press conference.

"The kingdom will wait for the Iraqi people to set up their governent and then we will deal with it," the prince said, but declined to answer a question if Riyadh was ready to deal with American military rule.

Prince Saud said the new Baghdad government should be recognized by the United Nations, which must be involved in Iraq.

He also warned against lawlessness, looting and lack of security in Iraq, saying if it continued it may lead to disaster.

SPACE.WIRE