Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/6/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/CHIEF INSPECTORS (L)

NUMBER=2-299302

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The chief of U-N nuclear inspections, Mohammed El-Baradei says it is time for Baghdad to show what he called "dramatic change" in its level of cooperation with U-N weapons inspectors. Correspondent Michael Drudge reports Mr. ElBaradei and chief U-N chemical and biological inspector Hans Blix discussed the crisis with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London

TEXT: The U-N officials held an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Blair as they make their way to Baghdad by Saturday, for what could be a showdown over the future of arms inspections there.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammed ElBaradei, spoke after the talks. He said the U-N Security Council is clearly running out of patience with Iraq's refusal to fully comply with disarmament resolutions.

/// ELBARADEI ACT ///

Iraq is not cooperating fully. They need to show drastic change in terms of cooperation. The message also coming from the Security Council at this time is very critical. So our mission in Baghdad this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) is crucial and we hope we will secure full 100-percent cooperation on the part of Iraq.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. ElBaradei said he and Mr. Blix had good discussions with Mr. Blair and his foreign secretary, Jack Straw. He added that a peaceful resolution of the dispute over Iraq's weapons remains his objective.

Mr. Blix said he would present a number of demands to the Iraqi government, including U-N reconnaissance flights and private interviews with Iraqi scientists.

/// BLIX ACT ///

We hope at this late hour, that they will come to a positive response. Because if they do not do that, then our reports next Friday (to the Security Council on Feb. 14th) will not be what we would like them to be. We both search for disarmament, assured disarmament in Iraq, through inspection. That is the method we stand for and we would like to attain that.

/// END ACT ///

A spokesman for Mr. Blair said the prime minister sought the U-N officials' judgment on Iraq's attitude toward weapons inspections, and he offered whatever assistance Britain could provide to help them do their job. (SIGNED)

NEB/MWD/AWP/RAE/FC