Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Wednesday voiced India's opposition to any unilateral military action against Iraq.

Making a statement in both Houses of Parliament, he warned that unilateralism on the Iraq issue would result in the UN being "deeply scarred" with "disastrous consequences" for the world order.

He said: "The Government of India would strongly urge that no military action be taken that does not have the collective concurrence of the international community.

"The international community must take a very careful look both at the objective of achieving Iraq's full compliance with UN resolutions and at the means adopted to reach this goal.

"This can be best achieved by a collective decision through the UN. If permitting more time and formulation of clearer criteria can facilitate a decision within the UN framework, we believe this option should be given a chance."

The prime minister said that the UN weapons inspectors must be given more time in Iraq.

"No ultimatum should be given. No dates should be given. The dates can be extended," Vajpayee told the Rajya Sabha adding, "war is not an option. Nobody wants war. We have to find a peaceful solution."

Vajpayee assured that India would respond to the emerging situation keeping in mind its national interest and global peace.