He insisted the action of his government was legal and "in accordance with existing authority under UN resolutions to disarm Iraq."

Howard said Australia does not need a formal declaration of war on Iraq. "If you're asking about whether a formal declaration of war is needed, no it's not, because the action is being taken, on our advice, pursuant to existing security council resolutions," he said. The prime minister believed the action did not need approval by the parliament also but he will inform it. "It is my intention to table in the parliament this afternoon the text of the legal advice that has been provided to the Australian government," Howard said.

On the deployment of 2,000 troops in the Gulf, Howard said it was sizable one and he had no intention of increasing the numbers.

Australian troops were sent to the Gulf region last month and deployed along with the US and UK forces.

US Formally Asks Australia to Join War

US President George W. Bush Tuesday morning formally asked Australia to be part of the possible war against Iraq, Prime Minister John Howard revealed.

"I indicated that cabinet would meet again this morning, and cabinet is meeting again this morning at 8:30 a.m. to formally consider that request," Howard told radio of the Australian Broadcast Corporate.

The cabinet had an urgent meeting Monday night and was briefed by military leaders of the country.

He reiterated that taking part in the war is legal. "There is legal authority. That's the view of the lawyers who are advising us," he said.

About 2,000 Australian troops, including 150 of special forces, have been in the Persian Gulf since February.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2003)