Military

DATE=03/07/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN/IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-287268

BYLINE=OWEN FAY

DATELINE=NEW YORK

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: For the first time in over a year, a senior Iraqi delegation is in New York for talks with U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan. The Iraqis want an end to international sanctions; The U-N wants weapons inspection teams to be allowed to return to Iraq immediately. As we hear from Owen Fay at the United Nations, reconciling these two positions is the goal of today's (Thursday) meetings.

TEXT: Weapons inspection teams have not been in Iraq since December, 1998. And while Baghdad has expressed hope that the two meetings scheduled for Thursday will cover a range of issues, U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan has included his chief weapons inspector Hans Blix in the discussions, a clear sign the return of inspectors is his top priority.

The Iraqi delegation is led by Foreign Minister Naji Sabri. He is only in New York for one day but has intimated he is willing to return soon, perhaps next month. Iraq argues sanctions should be lifted since Baghdad has fulfilled requirements set out in 1991 in U-N resolution 6-8-7, which addresses Iraq's ability to develop weapons of mass destruction. Yet earlier this month, Mr. Annan said that the issue is very much on the table.

Some Western observers express concerns, however, that Iraq has requested this meeting merely to stave off the threat of a U-S attack. By including the U-N's chief weapons inspector, Mr. Blix, in these discussions, Mr. Annan has signaled he wants to see real progress from Baghdad. (signed)

NEB/OF/SAB