United Nations: Promising that the UN would do everything possible to help the Iraqis during the conflict, Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the US on March 19 it would be its responsibility to ensure welfare of the citizens during the time American troops occupies the country.

"Under international Law, the responsibility for protecting civilians in conflict falls on the belligerents. In any area under military occupation, the welfare of the population falls on the occupying power," he told the Security Council.

Regretting suspension of the weapons inspection process and the failure of the Council to reach a common position, he said the UN has done its best to assess the effects of war in terms of personnel and equipment and human needs.

Asking donors to respond with generosity and speed to the UN appeal for funds to help already suffering Iraqis, Annan said the world body had requested $ 123.5 million from donors a month ago but only $ 45 million have been pledged and only $ 34 million received to date.

"I'm afraid we shall very soon be coming back with an appeal for much larger sums to finance actual relief operations," he said.

Annan said the UN is also trying to adjust the "oil for food" programme to enable it to continue providing humanitarian assistance to people of Iraq during hostilities.

PTI