"Having exchanged views on the situation in Iraq, we expressed our sincere wish that the conflict will end as soon as possible with a minimum loss of life and human suffering," said a declaration adopted by nine countries taking part in the summit of the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP).

The so-called Belgrade declaration, distributed to reporters by the foreign ministry of Serbia and Montenegro, said that "Iraq's sovereignity, political unity and territorial integrity should be preserved and its territory should be freed from all weapons of mass destruction."

"We reiterate our commitment to the fundamental role of the United Nations in the international system and to the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and stability," it added.

The summit was being held as the US tanks and troops poured into the heart of Baghdad amid scenes of jubilation and looting as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's regime was collapsing after a blistering three-week onslaught.

The declaration said the SEECP member countries "believe that the United Nations must play a central and substantial role in this crisis, including the humanitarian assistance and the reconstruction of Iraq."

"We are convinced now more than ever before of the need the reinvigorate the peace process and lay the foundation for peace and cooperation in the Middle East," it said.

Earlier Wednesday, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, one of nine leaders attending the summit said that "the war in Iraq has highlighted the issue of stability and international order."

"We must also voice our hope that the relations between Europe and the United States will be brought back on to the traditional track," Parvanov said of deep rifts over the Iraq crisis.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, whose country is the current EU president, insisted that "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq" should be preserved.

Simitis said he "deeply regretted that the intense efforts undertaken by the EU for a peaceful solution of the Iraqi crisis did not succeed."

"It is important to underline the fundamental role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security," Simitis said.

He said the United Nations should "continue to take the humanitarian lead and be centrally involved in the reconstruction of Iraq."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country has made its position with regard to the outcome of the war "adamantly clear."

"Our policy is Iraq that is whole and free... Turkey has been advocating a transition of Iraq into a peaceful state, disarmed of mass destruction weapons... while all its peoples must take part and administrate their common state," Erdogan said.

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