There was "a real fear of a breakdown of law and order" in Iraq's capital, said Short in a statement to the House of Commons, adding that looting in the city had been accompanied by violence, with hospitals being targeted and stripped of supplies.

The major problem in Iraq, particularly west and south of Baghdad, was a shortage of water after power supplies were cut.

There are also shortages of health supplies, particularly in Baghdad, where hospitals are being "overwhelmed", said Short, adding that there were also reports of staff in some of the city's hospitals being raped.

However, she said that thanks to the World Food Program stockpiles of food in Iraq, there should be enough food available until the end of April.

Short told lawmakers that a total of US$1.2 billion had been raised globally for the humanitarian effort in Iraq, with the UN seeking a total of US$2.2 billion.

Meanwhile, she said under international law, the American and British coalition forces would be seen as "occupying powers" and had a duty to provide humanitarian aid.

On the post-war administration of Iraq, Short said a UN resolution was required by international law to set up a "legitimate" interim authority.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund would require such backing in order to support the reconstruction effort, she said.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush said after their Belfast summit Tuesday that the UN has a "vital role" in the reconstruction of a post-war Iraq but failing to set out the details of how they see that role.

Blair's Tory spokeswoman Caroline Spelman said there were still questions about the UN's role in the reconstruction of Iraq.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2003)