German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said yesterday that the United Nations must lead the post-war rehabilitation of Iraq despite bitter differences over the conflict.

In a keynote speech to parliament, he admitted that while Germany had been fiercely opposed to the US-led military action and still believed it was the "wrong decision" to take, "we were not able to prevent this war."

Berlin would stand by its promise not to take any part in the campaign, he went on, but would fulfil its NATO commitments, including granting US forces overflight rights and unfettered access to bases here.

Schroeder also said he hoped the war would be over as soon as possible and that "with the overthrow of the dictatorship, the Iraqi people will be able to realise its dream of a life in peace, freedom and selfdetermination." "The United Nations has to play the central role in shaping Iraq's future and the political reorganisation of the country after the war," he added.