Iraq has accused US President George W Bush of 'using a bunch of lies' to justify the attack on Iraq even as the US told the UN Security Council that it was a 'necessary step' to protect America and the world from the threat posed by Baghdad.

In its first reaction to the attack, the Iraqi mission to the UN also demanded that US government leaders be tried for their actions in international tribunals, including the International Criminal Court, on various charges, including their attempt to target President Saddam Hussein.

Baghdad has said it would ask the UNSC to condemn the American invasion as an 'illegal act' by a 'terrorist state'.

"The United States acted as a terrorist state by attempting to assassinate the leadership of a member state of the United Nations. This war will not be a picnic as some American officials like to portray," the Iraqi mission said in a statement.

It said President Bush wanted to control Iraqi oil and not liberate its people as he claims.

But it was not clear when Iraq would formally ask for a UNSC meeting.

Its UN ambassador Mohammed Al-Douri said he was awaiting instructions from Baghdad but communication was completely disrupted. Besides, he would like to consult the Arab League and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Meanwhile, US ambassador to the UN John Negroponte said the step was necessary to 'restore international peace and security in the area'.

In a letter to the Security Council, a majority of whose members had opposed a US-led military action against Iraq, he contended the military action was 'appropriate' as Baghdad had violated a UN resolutions adopted since 1991.

Despite opposition from several members of the UNSC who wanted weapons inspectors to be given more time, the US took upon itself the task of 'disarming it (Iraq) of its weapons of mass destruction'.

PTI