"The situation is not desperate today. The issue is to maintain the pipeline open," Morris told reporters, saying mass starvation had been avoided thanks to the early distribution of stocks to the Iraqi people.

"Safety and security is a top concern and our work requires a secure environment," he said, recalling that "there has been some looting of our convoys".

He stressed that Britain and the United States were responsible for ensuring security so food deliveries could be carried out properly.

"We expect that the occupying power will secure us," he said, noting that food convoys were "moving with small signs of hostilities."

However, he said the WFP believes "it is safe to go back in the country by and large."

Morris said the UN agency had identified four safe corridors for food supplies, from Turkey, Syria and Jordan. He said he hoped the fourth corridor in the south "will open in a few days."

SPACE.WIRE