Chief government spokesman Bela Anda told a news conference that while Berlin "welcomed" Bush's announcement, its opposition to the war remained a "position of principle".

"The question now is to assure peace in Iraq and the region," he said.

"The reconstruction of Iraq must take place under the aegis of the United Nations and Germany is prepared to play its role with appropriate measures."

Bush flew onto the deck of a US aircraft carrier returning home from the Gulf late on Thursday to tell troops "major combat operations" in Iraq had ended and US-led forces had "prevailed".

Germany was one of the leading opponents of the war, along with France and Russia.

SPACE.WIRE