Syria's Faruq al-Chareh and Iran's Kamal Kharazi said it was "necessary to put an end to the anarchy and to the chaos witnessed in Iraqi cities, which have led to a worsening of the humanitarian situation."

The appeal was made in a telephone conversation between the two.

Damascus and Tehran, old allies, regularly speak with one voice on regional matters.

The two ministers described the United States and Britain, leading members of the coalition that invaded Iraq March 20, as "the forces of occupation" that hold "responsibility for the degradation of the situation in Iraq".

Lawlessness has gripped Iraqi cities since US troops entered Baghdad on Wednesday, ousting Saddam Hussein's regime.

SPACE.WIRE