Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11-15-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN INSPECTIONS (S)

NUMBER=2-296509

BYLINE=Elaine Johanson

DATELINE=United Nations

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Chief UN arms inspector Hans Blix says he expects a new round of inspections in Iraq to get underway November 27th. Mr. Blix arrives in Baghdad Monday via Cyprus, where he will meet up with an advance team of technicians. V-O-A correspondent Elaine Johanson reports from New York:

TEXT: On the eve of his visit, the chief arms inspector noted this is Iraq's last opportunity to give up any weapons of mass destruction that it may have been hiding. The Security Council has warned of serious consequences if Baghdad fails to comply.

With the United States making plans for a possible military attack, Mr. Blix says the fate of Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis and the Security Council, which eventually would assess whether Iraq is in material breach of its obligation to disarm.

The chief arms inspector will report to the Council 60 days after the inspections begin on Iraq's performance. However, the next real test for Baghdad comes in early December. Iraq is obliged to submit a full accounting of its weapons programs by December eighth.

The Bush administration says it has intelligence reports showing Baghdad does indeed possess weapons of mass destruction, while Iraq consistently maintains it does not. (signed)

NEB/UN/EJ/PT