United Nations: As the US (United States) and its allies defended the legality of war against Iraq, the UN stood firm on the position taken by Secretary-general Kofi Annan that it was "illegal" and violated the charter of the world body since it was conducted without Security Council authorisation.

Replying to questions, Chief United Nations Spokesman Fred Eckhard said Annan had only reiterated his well-known position during an interview with BBC Wednesday that the military action was "not in conformity with the UN Charter".

"We see nothing new in it, he feels it's no different what he's been saying for more than a year, and that position is well known to member Governments," Eckhard told reporters.

Annan is of the view that Iraq war demonstrated the need for international community to address the issue of pre-emptive action in the context of the charter.

Replying to a question, the Secretary General had said, "I have indicated it is not in conformity with the UN Charter, from our point of view and from the Charter's point of view, it was illegal."

The US, Britain and Australian Governments, who are facing elections, asserted the war had the legal basis but Annan's statement, coming 51 days before the American presidential polls, gave handle to critics to attack Governments especially at a time when war is not going well and security situation is deteriorating by the day.