In a statement to the House of Commons, Straw added that he would also be speaking "shortly" to his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, and that Foreign Office minister Mike O'Brien would be heading to Syria and Iran.

Straw did not specify when the trips would be made, or which Gulf countries he would be going to.

"Iraq's neighbors have important interests at stake," Straw told lawmakers on day 22 of the war to overthrow Saddam, and one day after US marines occupied downtown Baghdad.

"They, like us, want to see a stable and prosperous Iraq living in peace in the region," he said.

"Many of them have given valuable support to the military coalition. All will have an important contribution to make in the reconstruction phase."

On Syria and Iran, Straw said it was "important to maintain dialogue with both of these countries."

"Syria and Iran now have their chance to play in the building of a better future for Iraq," he said.

SPACE.WIRE