"I didn't hear any dissent (among NATO members) but there is no consensus yet," Robertson told journalists at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Brussels headquarters.

The proposal of a post-war role for NATO, possibly as peacekeepers, was originally made by US Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz last December.

Robertson said NATO states would examine the issue when time was ripe, taking into consideration the fast-paced developments in Iraq.

"A lot of countries want NATO to have a role" in post-war Iraq, he said.

A NATO official said the issue was debated at the weekly meeting of the 19 Allies' permanent representives on Wednesday, but that no-one wanted to start a formal debate.

"The feeling is nations want to wait a bit longer before they discuss it," said the official, who asked not to be named.

He said the situation was complex, even confusing, noting the United Nations' own role in rebuilding Iraq remained unclear.

"At this point, it's just too early for NATO to start this debate," he said.

Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaking to reporters after a NATO meeting in Brussels on Thursday, said no state had refused to consider the proposal.

"What I am pleased about today is that all of my NATO colleagues saw that as a possibility and were willing to consider it," Powell said.

Robertson also said several countries expressed concern about law and order in Iraq, where looting has become widespread in the south and in parts of Baghdad.

Asked about the presence of mass destruction weapons in Iraq, he said: "We'll find the answer to that question over the next few weeks."

SPACE.WIRE