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Moscow: Voicing concern over the Iraq "crisis", Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (November 13) said the UN should play a "principal" role and the US must discharge its "responsibility" in bringing peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

"The situation in Iraq has led to a crisis. There has been some difference with big countries over Iraq but we are with the majority of the countries," he said while addressing the Indian community in Moscow.

Regretting that innocent people were being killed and violence was continuing there, Vajpayee said, "The UN should play the principal role. In particular, the US should discharge its responsibility in Iraq."

On the domestic front, the Prime Minister said there were no differences within the Indian polity on Iraq. "Governments may change but there is no change in our foreign policy. During this major crisis, the only difference in our approach was with a major power," he said in an obvious reference to the US.

On the US request for stationing of Indian troops in Iraq, Vajpayee said it was conveyed to "our friends" that the security situation along India's borders and within the country did not permit taking such a step.

"We are a big country and something keeps happening. Our internal security is of paramount importance," he said, adding New Delhi thus turned down Washington's request. "They (the US) understood our point of view."

Vajpayee said there was a consensus in Parliament on not sending troops to Iraq. "We have a coalition Government at the Centre and all the decisions are taken collectively, not by one person," he added.

"On crucial issues, there are no differences between the Opposition and the ruling coalition," he said.

A joint statement issued by India and Russia at the conclusion of Vajpayee's three-day visit said the two sides supported efforts to safeguard unity and integrity of Iraq. They also emphasised the urgent need to restore peace, security and stability in that country.

PTI