"(The US) must do everything to avoid giving the Iraqi people the impression that it is governing them. Their presence will be more acceptable if decisions are taken in accordance with the United Nations," Cook told Portuguese daily O Publico in an interview.

"The war started without UN authorisation. It is extremely important not to repeat that mistake in the reconstruction of Iraq," Cook continued.

He said Britain's privileged relationship with the United States had, during the administration of former US President Bill Clinton, had the advantage of creating "a bridge between Europe and America".

"That function is much more difficult to maintain with Mr Bush," he said.

Cook -- who was foreign secretary between 1997 and 2001 before becoming leader of the British parliament -- resigned from the government of Prime Mininster Tony Blair on March 17 to protest at the latter's support for the war stance of US President George W. Bush.

Cook was given an unprecedented standing ovation in parliament when he announced his resignation on the grounds that the impending war did not have "international agreement or domestic support".

SPACE.WIRE