US Defence Secretary Mr Donald Rumsfeld said today he hopes the United Nations will play a role in the future of Iraq.
He hinted there would be "intensive discussions" in the near future over what role the UN might play in post-Saddam Iraq.
Mr Rumsfeld was speaking in a joint press conference with his British counterpart, Mr Geoff Hoon, before flying back to the United States.
He spent the morning in Britain meeting Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and the defence secretary on the final day of a week-long tour that has seen him visit several Gulf states, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
When asked about the role of the UN, Mr Rumsfeld said: "The coalition forces have been in contact through the foreign ministries with the United Nations and Secretary General and I suspect there will be, over the coming period, intensive discussions as to what role the UN may or may not wish to play.
"I hope they do play a role," he said.
PA