"I don't see the capability and the need for Iraq," Solana said in a meeting with journalists.

NATO already has a major involvement in Afghanistan, Europeans have responsibilities in Africa and the number of countries that could offer troops for Iraq "is very limited," Solana said.

Solana said that monitoring of Iraqi security forces, and their relations with the US-led coalition after the June 30 handover of sovereignty, was "an open question for me."

He said the answer should await the introduction of a draft UN resolution expected late next month to address the political, economic and security aspects of the transfer of sovereignty.

The security aspect is expected to stipulate how Iraqi and US forces are to be coordinated, and it is probable, said Solana, that the Iraqi authorities will ask the Americans to contribute to the Iraqi security force.

Earlier Wednesday, Iraqi interior Minister Samir al-Sumaydai said the Iraqi police would need coalition help in the early days after June 30, but stressed he would retain responsibility for giving "orders to the security forces."

Solana acknowledged that, with the situation on the ground worsening, troops deployed in Iraq "have to protect themselves. It's why the political aspect is so important."

Since late last year the United States has been pushing for a greater NATO role in Iraq where coalition forces increasingly have been targeted by attacks this month. Washington would like the alliance involved in patrolling Iraq's borders.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization so far has had only a small logistical support operation in Iraq, to back Polish-led multinational coalition forces.

Solana recently indicated a new UN resolution on Iraq would facilitate EU commitments.

Aides say there could be moves in police training and on the economic front.

NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has said that he sees "a great deal of support" for the alliance to deploy in Iraq -- but only at the request of the UN and a sovereign Iraqi government.

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