Southeast Asian foreign ministers, divided over a looming US-led attack o­n Iraq, cut short their informal talks in Sabah with most heading home before war breaks, officials said.

Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) decided to wrap-up their talks at a secluded resort here o­n the eve of a US deadline for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to go into exile or face war, officials said.

"Everybody wants to go home to monitor the situation," o­ne Asean official told AFP .

Talks which were scheduled to continue through Thursday would end after lunch today, with most ministers planning to leave as soon as possible, officials said.

The 10-member Asean is split over the US-led war o­n Iraq, with traditional US allies Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand pitted against Muslim nations Indonesia and Malaysia.

Focus o­n aftermath

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar warned the war could spark a "catastrophe" and urged the international community to stand up against this "unlawful act."

"This will be a very sad day and it will be a big mistake that has serious repercussions the world over," he told reporters.

But Singapore and Philippines played down the differences and urged the grouping to focus instead o­n ways to cope with the aftermath of war, such as ensuring adequate oil supplies and enhancing anti-terrorism cooperation.

Philippines foreign affairs undersecretary Lauro Baja said Manila was among the 30 countries that have openly backed Washington, while Singapore and Thailand were o­n the list of 15 nations that lent support but wished to remain anonymous.

Baja, who is representing Philippines Foreign Minister Blas Ople, said Manila "perceives there is a failure of the UN to act."

"Our national interest also dictates that we support a method which will really disarm Iraq and perhaps promote a safer and more stable Middle East region where we have 1.5 million workers," he said.

Baja urged Asean to discuss ways for oil-producing nations like Indonesia and Malaysia to be o­n stand-by to help neighbours in need, and to intensify cooperation to counter an expected increase in terrorist attacks.

Economic implications

Singapore Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar said action against Iraq would benefit world peace and stability.

Despite their differences, he said Asean ministers would study the economic implications of war, how it could be exploited by terrorists in the region and the possible long-term strategic consequences.

"I am not unduly despondent by the fact that Asean does not have a homogeneous position o­n Iraq but the fact that we are here to discuss the implications is a good sign," he added.

Despite the slim chance, Thailand still hoped for a peaceful approach to the issue, Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said. AFP