The US-led war against Iraq has done nothing to make the world a safer place, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said in an interview with the British ITV television on Sunday.

"I can not say the world is safer when you consider the violence around us, when you look around you and see the terrorist attacks around the world and you see what is going on in Iraq," the UN chief said.

"We have a lot of work to do as an international community to try and make the world safer," said Annan, stressing that the Iraqwar has done little to increase global security or halt international terrorism.

On Iraq's elections next year, Annan said Iraq has been on track to hold elections in next January.

"If that sort of judgment or any decision which is made which we think detracts from the credibility and viability of the elections, we will be duty bound to say so," Annan said.

During the interview, Annan also dismissed the idea that countries like France and Russia had been ready to ease sanctions imposed on Iraq under former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in return for bribes and oil contracts.

"It's inconceivable. These are very serious and important governments. You are not dealing with banana republics," Annan said.

Annan will come to Northern Ireland on Monday to start a three-day trip to Britain.