United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan said Sunday that the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will give new impetus to the restoration of peace and stability in Iraq.

"The secretary-general considers that the capture of Saddam Hussein, the epitome of the former regime, is an important event," said a statement issued by UN spokesman Fred Eckhard.

"It offers an opportunity to give fresh impetus to the search for peace and stability in Iraq, on the basis of an inclusive and fully transparent process," it said.

The statement also reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to do everything possible to help Iraqis, "if asked and as circumstances permit."

Saddam was found by US troops Saturday night in a hole in a town south of his hometown, Tikrit, northern Iraq.