Gorbachev: Don't attack Iraq

Mikhail Gorbachev today warned George Bush and Tony Blair that war against Iraq would threaten world peace and could destroy the international coalition against terror.

The former Soviet leader spoke as it was revealed Jordan has secretly agreed for the first time to let US troops use bases on its soil for a possible strike against Iraq.

Appealing to Mr Bush and Mr Blair not to take unilateral military action to topple Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Mr Gorbachev, 71, said: "I strongly hope the US and Britain will not be fighting a war in the Middle East. They should be using political means, not military."

Speaking during a visit to London, the statesman who dragged the former Soviet Union out of the Cold War added: "The right approach to this issue can only be developed in cooperation with the United States and Russia as co-sponsors of the peace process, the European Union and the Arab countries. They should all work together."

Speculation that America will attack Iraq has intensified since talks about sending UN weapons inspectors back in broke down last week.

Mr Gorbachev said America "must not ignore the UN Security Council". He said: "We have a full set of political, economic and diplomatic methods that should be used to deal with Iraq. If such decisions are taken unilaterally that could destroy the coalition against terror."

In his State of the Nation speech this year, Mr Bush branded Iraq, North Korea and Iran part of an "axis of evil", accusing them of stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Gorbachev cautioned: "Iraq is an important country and both that nation and the world should not be put at risk without really trying all the other various measures and approaches available."

Reports that King Abdullah of Jordan has granted permission for the setting up of American bases have been strenuously denied by the authorities in Amman. But reports today say the agreement was reached following assurances by Washington that no action will be taken before the end of this year.

The Pentagon has reportedly planned a three-pronged attack on Iraq from Turkey in the north, Kuwait in the south and Jordan in the West.