UN's Annan puts pressure on Bush by saying war in Iraq illegal

THE United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, placed further pressure on Downing Street and the White House last night by claiming that the war in Iraq was "illegal".

Speaking to the BBC World Service, he said the war was "not in conformity" with the UN Security Council or with the UN Charter. He also said there could not be credible elections in Iraq next January if the current unrest continued.

Asked if there was legal authority for the war in Iraq, Mr Annan said: "I have stated clearly that it was not in conformity with the Security Council, with the UN charter."

His statement will represent a serious embarrassment for George Bush in the build-up to the US presidential election, amidst claims by left-wing Democrats that his administration went to war with little evidence of weapons of mass destruction. The same will be true of Tony Blair, who has undergone constant criticism over his government’s decision to back the US-led campaign.

Mr Annan said last night that there should have been a second UN resolution before the war in Iraq. He added that the UN Security Council had warned Iraq there would be "consequences" if it did not comply with its demands - but it should have been up to the council to determine what those consequences were.

Asked if the war was illegal, he replied: "Yes, if you wish." He added: "I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter. From our point of view and from the charter point of view it was illegal."

Mr Annan also said there were "painful lessons" to be learnt from the Iraq conflict, claiming that future operations should have either UN approval or much broader support from the international community.

He added: "I think there have been lessons for the US and lessons for the UN and other member states. I think in the end everybody’s concluded that it is best to work together with our allies and through the UN to deal with some of these issues. I hope we do not see another Iraq-type operation for a long time."