"Power (in Iraq) must be transferred to a credible Iraqi government, even if it is only transitory," Ragheb told Jordanian newspaper editors in remarks broadcast on state television.

This goverment must "represent the people of Iraq" and be elected by the Iraqi people, not imposed by outside forces, he added.

Ragheb insisted on "the need for reactivating Iraqi civil and security institutions", saying that Jordan would be prepared to help out in any Arab or international initiatives to achieving this.

He also said that Jordan would renegotiate its previous oil contracts with the relevant authorities in Iraq.

Jordan, which consumes more than five million tonnes of crude and other petroleum products each year, is totally dependent on Iraq for its supplies, which were delivered on favourable terms.

However, the supply chain was cut before the US-led coalition forces invaded Iraq on March 20.

Ragheb said that oil provided by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates since the end of March would last the country for three months.

SPACE.WIRE