The official MENA news agency said the meeting "came in the framework of continued coordination in regard to the quickening developments seen by the region in light of the situation in Iraq."

Cairo and Riyadh both opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq and they both issued calls Wednesday for Iraqis to take over their own government, and for UN involvement in post-war Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Wednesday retired US general Jay Garner will head to Baghdad as interim administrator with his team once the shooting stops.

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