Leaders at the G8 summit being held at Sea Island in the US have had their first disagreement.

The dispute comes over the possible role of NATO in post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq.

America and Britain both believe NATO should take some of the burden of peace-keeping duties in the country, but France disagrees.

The sense of optimism that followed this week's unanimous UN resolution on Iraqi sovereignty has been replaced by tension over security issues.

"I do not think that it is NATO's job to interfere in Iraq," said French president Jacques Chirac.

Chirac has also objected to the proposed cancellation of billions of dollars of Iraqi debt. 

And there have been further tensions over US plans to spread democracy across the Middle East.

However, Britain is hoping that further progress can be made on re-engaging the "quartet" over the Israeli-Palestinian road map.