Representatives of sixteen Iraqi opposition groups, meeting with British government officials in London, say they will cooperate more closely to undermine the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein.

Speaking after the meeting, the British minister responsible for Middle East affairs, Derek Fatchett, said Britain was in favour of setting up a tribunal to investigate alleged crimes against humanity committed by Saddam Hussein.

Mr Fatchett said there was no doubt Saddam Hussein and his government had committed such crimes.

He referred to the use of chemical weapons against Iraqi Kurds ten years ago.

Mr Fatchett said the hitherto fragmented Iraqi opposition was now keen to work together -- but two Syrian-based opposition groups have accused Britain of interfering in Iraqi affairs.