Neither Aldouri nor Annan's spokesman gave details of the meeting, which had been requested by Aldouri.

Aldouri told reporters outside his New York residence Wednesday "the game is over," following scenes of jubilant Iraqis celebrating after a statue of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was brought down in a central Baghdad square.

Earlier reports said Aldouri had left for Europe overnight.

There was no indication of what the two would discuss, but the meeting was not listed on Annan's public agenda for the day.

In remarks to reporters earlier Thursday as he was arriving at UN headquarters, Annan said Aldouri "didn't ask for asylum or protection."

"When I saw him on Monday," Annan added, "he didn't ask me for help with his status."

SPACE.WIRE