'Pre-emptive' attack on Iraq slated by Annan

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan criticised US President George W Bush's "pre-emptive" attack on Iraq but urged world leaders yesterday to set aside their disputes over the war and join forces to build a peaceful democracy in the troubled nation.

While Mr Annan's opposition to the US policy of pre-emptive strikes against perceived threats was likely to anger Mr Bush, his strong appeal for global unity on Iraq's future was sure to win strong American support.

Mr Bush was in the audience as Mr Annan opened the UN General Assembly, the first meeting of world leaders since the invasion of Iraq.