UN needs central Iraq role - Cook

UN needs central Iraq role - Cook

Mr Cook: "There were alternatives"

Robin Cook has pledged to strive to see the UN given immediate authority in Iraq.

It should take a central role in the interim running of the country as a first priority, the former cabinet minister said.

Mr Cook, who resigned his position as Leader of the Commons over the war with Iraq, also called for UN weapons inspectors to be sent to the country.

And for the "roadmap" plan for peace in the Middle East to be "implemented quickly and without prevarication or delay".

"It is very important if the West is to avoid the charge of double standards, that we are now seen to be as active in pursuing peace between Israel and the Palestinian people as in getting rid of Saddam Hussein."

It was also important to make clear Iraq was not the first in a series of Western "interventions" in the Middle East, Mr Cook said.

"I strongly welcome what Tony Blair has said, that there will be no involvement by Britain in any military action on Syria or anywhere else.

I am sorry we continued with the conflict

Robin Cook

"If we are to achieve stability and progress in the region, it is important the neighbours of Iraq do not feel the same is going to happen to them."

Mr Cook, who was speaking to reporters in Glasgow after meeting senior figures from the city's Muslim community, continues to question the legitimacy of the war with Iraq.

"I am sorry we continued with the conflict," he said.

"I would rather we had not.

"There was not an immediate and compelling case for military action.

"There were alternatives.

The war was justified on the fear there may be weapons of mass destruction

Robin Cook

"War should always be a last resort."

He called the prime minister "the most successful leader of the Labour party in my lifetime".

"I want him to continue as leader."

But Mr Cook added: "The war was justified on the fear there may be weapons of mass destruction.

"It is crucial the UN inspectors are brought in to validate any discovery made in Iraq, so we have an independent, objective assessment."

Mr Cook also called on the US to "work with non-governmental organisations and charities in the way the British do."

"It is essential we meet the very real and pressing humanitarian needs of the people of Iraq."