"We ask for an immediate assurance that UK forces will abide by international law. Mr Blair must do everything in his power to get a similar assurance from his coalition partners," Amnesty's Secretary General Irene Khan said in a statement.

Amnesty International bosses from Chile, Israel, Tunisia, Japan, the United States and Britain were expected to arrive at Blair's official residence in London around 1200 GMT to hand over the petition on behalf of Amnesty's 1.6 million members worldwide.

"The section directors who are in London represent all of Amnesty's 1.6 million members," spokesman Alistair Hodgett told AFP.

"My knowledge is that has never happenned before. I don't think they (the directors) have issued a statement all together representing all the countries, all the 1.6 million members."

The petition also calls for an immediate investigation into allegations of unlawful killings by both sides involved in the war.

It also demands to know what steps have been taken to limit civilian casualties, including an assurance that indiscriminate weapons, such as cluster bombs and land mines, will not be used in battle.

Amnesty is asking the US and British forces to account for war crimes including the targeting of the Iraqi national TV building.

Neil Durkin, spokesman for Amnesty, said: "You simply cannot target civilian resources and buildings. It's a breach of the Geneva Convention. It has to be justified. Was (the building) being used for military purposes?"

Khan added: "The rights and needs of the Iraqi people must be put first in this conflict and its aftermath. The UK government and its coalition partners will be judged by the extent to which they do this.

"Together we represent over 1.6 million Amnesty International members who are watching the conflict in Iraq and are gravely concerned that human rights are not being respected."

WAR.WIRE