Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/01/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ INSPECTORS (S)

NUMBER=2-294669

BYLINE=DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN

DATELINE=VIENNA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iraqi diplomats are expected to hand over key information about their nuclear facilities today at talks with U-N officials in Vienna. Douglas Bakshian reports from the talks, where U-N weapons inspectors are trying to work out the logistics of a return to Iraq.

TEXT: A senior diplomat says Iraq plans to hand over computer disks with information about dual-use facilities and equipment that can be used for building nuclear weapons or for civilian atomic energy purposes. Iraq has not provided this information, which is due every six months, since UN inspectors left the country four years ago.

The diplomat, who is close to the talks, says the Iraqi delegation has received fresh instructions from Baghdad, prompting a slight delay in the start of the second day of negotiations.

The source says another key issue to be addressed is over-flights for inspectors' planes. The Iraqis say they can not provide full security in the no-fly zones in the north and south, which are patrolled by British and American planes.

The talks are to end today, and the chief U-N weapons inspector reports to the Security Council in New York Thursday on the results. The talks are the first test of Iraq's cooperation since it announced it would allow the unconditional return of the inspectors. (signed)

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