Washington: With a number of countries wary of sending troops to Iraq under the aegis of the Anglo- American occupation forces, US on July 20 said it was in consultation with the UN in desperately seeking to bring around these nations.

"UN resolution 1483 asks member-nations to assist in the stabilization efforts in Iraq, so there is sufficient UN authority now. But some nations have asked for a broader UN mandate to contribute forces, and I am in conversation with those nations and with Secretary General Kofi Annan to examine whether or not another UN resolution might be useful, Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview to Radio Monte Carlo.

"Administration has not made a decision yet. Anybody who wishes to contribute now," said Powell adding "we have an open mind on this issue and that is why we are consulting with our friends and with the Secretary General."

Strongly refuting charges that economic and political domination of the region was the main motive behind the Iraq war, Powell said "How could you say such a thing? We liberated Kuwait, gave Kuwait back to the Kuwaiti people. We liberated Afghanistan and gave Afghanistan back to the Afghan people. We have removed a dictator in Baghdad, and the graves are now being opened", he said.

PTI