A foreign ministry statement outlining Islamabad's position on the post war developments in Iraq said Pakistan would send its ambassador back to Baghdad as soon the security situation there allowed.

It underlined the obligation of the US-led coalition forces to "address the humanitarian and other basic needs of Iraqi people as well as to restore public order in Iraq."

Widespread looting and breakdown of public order have created a chaotic situation after the fall of the regime of President Saddam Hussein, who the coalition forces say is either dead or on the run with his sons and elite.

"Governance of Iraq is the right of the Iraqi people, and therefore it should be restored to them as soon as possible," the statement said.

"The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq must be preserved, and also rights over its natural resources.

"The UN should have a central role in shaping the future of Iraq, as well as in addressing the humanitarian and long term reconstruction of Iraq."

The statement said Pakistan had lined up humanitarian relief goods for Iraq which would be despatched as soon as logistical arrangements were finalised.

The government is in discussion with all parties concerned and neighbouring countries to find the most effective way of delivering the assistance, it said.

Foreign ministry officials told AFP the Iraqi embassy in Islamabad was still functioning.

Washington had asked for closure of Iraqi embassies in about 60 countries across the world. But government officials here have said they had not so far received any formal US request for taking the action.

SPACE.WIRE