"I must stress to you today time is of the essence," Allawi said in remarks prepared for delivery during his first visit to NATO's headquarters in Brussels.

"There is a real battle in Iraq today. Delays measured even in hours and days can cost lives," he added.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders agreed at a June summit in Istanbul to help train Iraqi security forces, but battled for months to agree on the details.

NATO finally decided last month to send up to 400 instructors, aiming to get the bulk of them there in time for January elections.

"Please use the solidarity that you expressed in Istanbul to move forward your plans as quickly as possible," said Allawi.

Earlier in remarks to representatives from the 26 NATO member countries, Allawi said regional stability was at stake as his interim government struggles to stave off an insurgency.

"We believe a stable and strong Iraq, democratic Iraq would spill over... and create a much more peaceful region," he said.

"That's why we think and believe very strongly that NATO should provide help and continue to support us in our endeavor to bring democracy, rule of law and human rights in Iraq."

Allawi said the Iraqi interim government appreciated "what NATO has been doing in supporting Iraq and supporting us to develop our security forces and capabilities".

"This is a process which will lead us to fulfill our efforts... to bring democracy. We hope the first milestone will take place next January" in the country's first general election since Saddam Hussein fell from power, he said.

"As you know, the challenges and the threats are quite significant in Iraq... We are determined to face these threats, we are determined to bring security and stability to our country."

Allawi was also in Brussels for a lunch with European Union leaders, in which he aimed to bring about a fresh start in relations to help rebuild his shattered country.

Speaking here after pre-summit talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Allawi said his administration wants "to forge a good and positive alliance" with Europe.

"History is history, past is past. We need to start afresh and open a new chapter," he told reporters.

On his way to Brussels to attend the EU summit, Allawi caused anger by calling on "spectator" countries such as France and Germany to get off the sidelines and engage more in Iraq.