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Most leaders in the Middle East believe that American-led invasion of Iraq was a "real disaster" and has "destabilized" the region but are divided as to whether the US forces should leave the country immediately, United Nations Secretary Kofi Annan has said. Addressing a press conference yesterday on his return from a 11-day tour to the region, Annan said many leaders believe that the United States should stay till situation improves in Iraq as it cannot walk away from the problems it has created but others, such as Iran, think that Washington should leave the country immediately. That means that the US finds itself in a difficult position where "it cannot stay and it cannot leave," Annan SAID. Iranians have offered to help Americans to leave, he said but declined to elaborate, saying "I didn't get details as to how they intend to help." Annan's remarks are bound to annoy the Bush administration which is trying to convince American voters that it is winning the fight against terrorism and stressing that military action in Iraq was an important part of the war against the scourge. Annan, who is retiring on Dec 31 on the completion of his two-year term, had a tiff earlier too with the US administration when he described the war in Iraq as illegal. The US officials promptly expressed disagreement with Annan's views which, Republican analysts say, are not helpful with about six weeks left for mid term elections and in view of eroding support among voters for the Iraqi war. Conceding that he has had differences with the Bush administration, Annan but described his relationship with US as good. "I work well with the Secretary of State, and with the President himself and on key and important issues we are able to discuss. Sometimes we agree, often agree, and there are times we disagree and I think everyone has to respect that," he said. But he agreed that in the Congress, the situation is different. "I have some friends on the Capitol Hill and some not so friendly. And we have to accept that also." On a question how UN plans to help Iran rebuild, Annan described the formation of an Iraqi Compact of a group of nations which intend to help Baghdad rebuild its economy. The UN is hosting a meeting of the compact next Monday, he said and rejected the suggestion pessimistic evaluation of its possible outcome. "The idea here is to generate support for economic development of Iraq." he said.
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