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Annan: Iraq invasion a real disaster

Leaders in the Middle East have told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the war on Iraq has been a "real disaster" for the region.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:00 September 14, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: AP
  • Most leaders in the Middle East told the UN Secretary General that the US led invasion of Iraq had destablised the region

United Nations: Leaders in the Middle East have told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the war on Iraq has been a "real disaster" for the region.

Speaking after a two week tour of the region, Annan claimed most leaders wanted to the US to stay in the country until the situation stabilised, although Iran wanted an immediate pullout.

He said: "Most of the leaders I spoke to felt the invasion of Iraq and its aftermath has been a real disaster for them. They believe it has destabilised the region."

Iran had offered the US help in withdrawing - although Annan didn't say what this assistance would be.

The UN Secretary General refused to reveal his own thoughts on when the US should leave Iraq, but he did say: "The timing has to be optimum and it has to be arranged in such a way that it does not lead to even greater disruption or violence in the region."

Annan spent a fortnight travelling around the Middle East in an attempt to bolster support for Lebanon.

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