"For Denmark, the situation is different. Our decision was not based on reports from our intelligence agencies. This was a political decision because Saddam Hussein's refusal to cooperate with the United Nations for years had to have consequences," Rasmussen said at a press conference Tuesday.

"If we allow a military dictator to ignore UN decisions time and time again, without reacting, it would send a very dangerous signal to tyrants and terrorists around the world that they could do whatever they please with impunity," he added.

"This is the reason we decided to get involved in this conflict, and not because of a threat of weapons of mass destruction. We made a political decision. One can disagree with it, but there is nothing to investigate," Rasmussen said in a separate statement to the opposition Center and Leftist parties in parliament.

The Danish Liberal leader hailed US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decisions to open inquiries into information provided by their country's intelligence agencies prior to the war.

Denmark, one of Washington's most loyal allies, decided to participate in the Iraq crisis in March 2003, after a narrow majority in parliament voted for the Scandinavian country to get involved.

WAR.WIRE