United Nations: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has expressed confidence that the United Nations would not go the League of Nations' way despite strong differences among major powers on Iraq which threaten to derail its unity.

The United Nations is "much, much larger than Iraqi crisis", he told reporters on March 4.

Annan said he is in touch with the government, but ruled out any visit to Iraq in the present circumstances. However, he said his good offices are always available.

In the corridors of the world body, diplomats are hotly debating the future of the UN if the US takes unilateral action.

Several diplomats said even the UN is not involved in the military action, it would be there during he rebuilding stage when new structures of the government would be put in place and that would enhance rather than diminish its prestige.

Message Board

Will the US be justified in waging war? Post your views

They also expect the US, even if it takes unilateral action in Iraq, to seek UN intervention in resolving the North Korean crisis.

Annan stressed the importance of the unity of the Security Council in dealing with Iraq and noted that weapons inspectors report is due on March 7.

"If the Council were to manage to come together and resolve the crisis effectively and successfully, the credibility and influence of the Council will be enhanced. If the action were to be taken outside the Council authority, the support for that action – popular or otherwise – would be diminished," he said.

PTI