Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/27/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN / IRAQ / REPORT (S)

NUMBER=2-298847

BYLINE=JENNY BADNER

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Chief U-N weapons inspectors Hans Blix and Mohammed ElBaredei are scheduled to deliver their much anticipated report on their search for weapons of mass destruction to the United Nations. Correspondent Jenny Badner reports from U-N headquarters in New York.

TEXT: The report is expected to provide members of the Security Council with some answers to the question of how to deal next with Iraq.

For the past two-months, Mr. Blix's and Mr. ElBaradei's teams have carried out more than 300-searches for biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons since a November resolution - number 14-41- resumed the inspection process after a four-year hiatus. The resolution threatens Iraq with "serious consequences" if it fails to disarm.

In December, Iraq submitted a 12-thousand page declaration of its weapons systems. But Mr. Blix has said that report is incomplete and Iraq is not cooperating sufficiently with inspectors.

The question of how long the inspectors should continue their work has been the subject of fierce international debate. The United States, backed by Britain, its most ardent ally in the military buildup in the Persian Gulf, has said that "time is running out" for Iraq to disarm.

The three other permanent members of the Security Council with veto power, France, China and Russia, along with the upcoming Council president Germany, oppose authorizing military force against Iraq at this time. They favor allowing the inspectors more time to continue their search. (SIGNED)

NEB/JB/RAE