Annan warns against Iraq assault

Kofi Annan has been a critic of the war in Iraq

UN chief Kofi Annan has warned Iraqi and coalition governments against an assault on the Iraqi city of Falluja.

In a letter to the leaders of the US, UK and Iraq, Mr Annan warned that force risked alienating Iraqis when their support for elections was vital.

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi called it a "confused letter" and said time for a peace settlement in Falluja was running out.

US forces are massed outside the town and say an operation is imminent.

Mr Annan wrote of his "increasing concern at the prospect of an escalation in violence... I have in mind not only the risk of increased insurgent violence, but also reports of major military offensives in key localities such as Falluja".

Spectator nations and international organisations should do more in Iraq and not in New York US spokesman

He added that force could alienate Iraqis and "reinforce perceptions...of a continued military occupation".

He said the UN wanted to help, but: "We need a conducive environment if elections are to produce a positive effect."

A UN spokesman would not comment on the letter, reportedly dated 31 October.

'Spectator nations'

But a US spokesman at the UN dismissed the intervention.

"This issue is for the government of Iraq and those who are willing to help the people of Iraq," said Richard Grenell.

"Spectator nations and international organisations should do more in Iraq and not in New York," he told the AFP agency.

Iyad Allawi says the Falluja operation cannot be long delayed

The UN has warned that continued violence in Iraq could make it very difficult to hold elections in January, as planned.

Mr Allawi said of the letter: "We don't know what his intentions were, it's a very unclear message."

He said if Mr Annan thought he could prevent insurgents in Falluja from "inflicting damage and killing", he was welcome to try.

But he said the Falluja operation could not be delayed for long.

"The window really is closing for a peaceful settlement," he said.

"We hope the casualties [in Falluja] will be minimal, but we have to protect the majority from the minority of terrorists who are inflicting damage on Iraq," he told BBC News.

Mr Annan's letter again emphasises the division between his position and the US-led coalition over Iraq.

It is less than two months since the secretary general caused a storm by saying that the invasion of Iraq was illegal.