Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=02/24/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/INSPECTORS (S)

NUMBER=2-299973

BYLINE=GREG LAMOTTE

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-N weapons inspectors are continuing their inventory of Iraq's al-Samoud 2 missiles that have been ordered destroyed despite objections from Baghdad. And South African disarmament experts are in the Iraqi capital

trying to help Iraq understand how to adequately satisfy U-N demands. VOA's Greg LaMotte has the details from our Middle East bureau in Cairo.

TEXT: While Baghdad says it believes there should be a compromise regarding the destruction of its al-Samoud 2 missiles, U-N weapons inspectors Monday continued their inventory of the missile system. Inspectors went to two factories that make the missile's engines and guidance systems.

Chief U-N weapons inspector Hans Blix has ordered the missiles and their components destroyed beginning Saturday because he says they can fly beyond a U-N mandated limit of 150 kilometers. Iraqi officials say once the missiles are equipped with guidance and control systems and warheads the added weight causes their range to fall within U-N mandated guidelines.

Weapons inspectors Monday also checked an anti-aircraft missile maintenance facility and a chemical and explosives plant.

In the meantime, a team of South African disarmament experts met Monday with Iraqi officials to lend their expertise in the disarmament process. South Africa has been cited by U-N officials as a model of disarmament after having voluntarily given up its nuclear weapons in the 1980's. (Signed)

NEB/GL/AWP