"The resources of Iraq must be exploited in the interests of the country's citizens," he said on television. "Secondly, the post-war period must be organised under the aegis of the United Nations."

Germany would be ready to provide assistance towards reconstruction in such a case, he told the television channels ARD and Phoenix.

Germany, France and Russia took a particularly firm stand inside the Security Council against war on Iraq.

The administration of US President George W. Bush reportedly wants Iraq ruled under the direct control of its military, although it sees a humanitarian role for the UN.

German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said in a newspaper interview to be published Saturday that Germany would not finance Iraqi reconstruction.

He told the newspaper Schweriner Volkszeitung: "It cannot be envisaged that some start a war and destroy the country and others who do did not wish the war pay to reconstruct it."

Eichel's comments were the latest in a series by German officials distancing Berlin from significant involvement in rebuilding Iraq because it was not part of the US-led coalition that had declared war.

In an interview with Thursday's Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper, Economic Cooperation and Development minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul said that the "coalition of the willing" leading the war should pay the cost of rebuilding.

"I think it is important that the financial burden rest with those who began this infamous war," Wieczorek-Zeul said.

Schroeder also welcomed Friday the resumption of the UN "oil-for-food" programme to provide Iraq with aid.

He was "happy that the Security Council is resuming its role," he said.

The Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to allow the resumption of humanitarian aid for Iraq through the programme under the management of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for 45 days.

An estimated 60 percent of the Iraqi population of 22 million depend on the programme, under which Iraq is allowed to sell oil to buy certain basic supplies, for food and other essential items.

The programme was suspended on March 18 just before the United States launched its war against the Baghdad regime.

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer also welcomed resumption of the programme.

"The UN Secretary-General... will be able to help the Iraqi civilian population profit from the rich experience of the UN in the field of humanitarian aid," he said in a statement.

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