"I don't know if or when a sovereign and legitimate Iraqi government might request NATO assistance, but I do know the international community cannot simply afford to let Iraq fail," he said.

"I believe that if both the UN and the Iraqi people call NATO for help, then the Atlantic alliance cannot turn a blind eye," he added.

"Let's not forget, end of June, it's up to the Iraqis," he said, referring to the date for the scheduled transfer of power from the US-led coalition to Iraq's interim goverment.

De Hoop Scheffer was addressing the Center for European Reform, a Brussels think tank, on preparations for the NATO summit scheduled for June 28-29 in Istanbul.

He also noted that one of the conditions set by the Atlantic Alliance for considering an expanded collective role in Iraq was on the verge of being met, with the imminent adoption of a new draft resolution on Iraq's future by the UN Security Council.

The draft resolution, presented by the United States and Britain, provides for a possible role for regional security organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, he said.

De Hoop Scheffer said NATO leaders would have a "serious exchange of views on Iraq" in Istanbul.

"I want to make sure we do not rush to judgement in any way," he added.

Last week, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said Washington was still keen to see NATO play a role in Iraq.

France and Germany, which are both members of the 26-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, have ruled out sending their own soldiers to Iraq even after the end of the US-led occupation.

US President George W. Bush said last week he did not expect NATO collectively to decide to get involved in Iraq when NATO leaders hold summit talks in Turkey late this month.

NATO's involvement in Iraq has so far been limited to providing logistical support to a 6,500-strong multinational force under Polish command that controls a sector south of Baghdad.

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