BBC: Iraq war illegal, says Annan
The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has told the BBC the US-led invasion of Iraq was an illegal act that contravened the UN charter.
This is all over papers in the UK. It will arrive on our shores soon enough. What will our fine candidates have to say about this? Is Annan trying to influence the US election? Is he trying to help Iraqis? What gives? Why state the obvious now?
The Independent: Annan declares Iraq war illegal and warns of election credibility
Tony Blair last night suffered a fresh blow after Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General, said the war in Iraq was "illegal".
Speaking on the BBC World Service, Mr Annan said the war was "not in conformity" with the UN Security Council or with the UN Charter.
Asked if there was legal authority for the war on Iraq, Mr Annan said: "I have stated clearly that it was not in conformity with the security council, with the UN charter."
He also said there could not be credible elections in Iraq next January if the current unrest continued.
The Guardian: Iraq war was illegal and breached UN charter, says Annan
Mr Annan said that the invasion was not sanctioned by the UN security council or in accordance with the UN's founding charter. In an interview with the BBC World Service broadcast last night, he was asked outright if the war was illegal. He replied: "Yes, if you wish."
He then added unequivocally: "I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter. From our point of view and from the charter point of view it was illegal."
Telegraph: War on Iraq was illegal, says Annan
[Annan's] remarks made clear that President George W Bush will face a hostile audience next week when he addresses the UN General Assembly.