IAEA Media Advisory
IAEA Media Advisory 2003/0402 (4 February 2003)
News Update on Iraq Inspections
UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq, 4 February 2003
For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.
4 February 2003 -- UNMOVIC sought another private interview with an Iraqi individual. This individual made the appointment with two witnesses but declined to be interviewed without these two witnesses being present. The interview did not proceed.
An UNMOVIC biological team inspected the State Establishment for Heavy Engineering Enterprises plant in Daura, about 15 km south of Baghdad. The facility designs and manufactures a range of equipment, including large storage and mixing tanks used by food processing, chemicals and petroleum industries.
An UNMOVIC chemical team visited a water purification facility, located in the Daura residential area of Baghdad. Another chemical team inspected the ASCO commercial center in Baghdad. This company deals with agro-chemicals and is one of the main distributors for pesticides in Iraq.
Three UNMOVIC missile teams inspected three separate sites: the Al Rafah test stand that is involved in the static testing of missile engines; Al Harith that is involved in the maintenance of missiles; and Al Mamoun that manufactures composite solid propellant. These inspections were conducted to verify Iraq's declarations and to establish a comprehensive monitoring mechanism.
An UNMOVIC multidisciplinary team inspected three sites north of Baghdad: a farm, a helicopter support facility, and the Al Taji Ammunition Depot. An empty Sakr-18 chemical warhead was found at the Al Taji Ammunition Depot. The warhead was tagged and secured. This is the same type of chemical warhead as was found at the Ukhaider Ammunition Storage Area on 16 January.
A Mosul-based multidisciplinary team inspected the Mosul Sugar and Yeast Factories in Mosul. The team ascertained the present status of the site.
Two IAEA teams conducted two inspections. One team inspected the Al Mamoun plant of the Al Qa Qaa Establishment south of Baghdad. A second IAEA team, with support from UNMOVIC, inspected the former site of the Al Salam Company, formerly associated with biological weapons development, in the Salman Pak area south of Baghdad.
Hiro Ueki
Spokesman for UNMOVIC and the IAEA in Baghdad
About the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) serves as the world's foremost intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Established as an autonomous organization under the United Nations (UN) in 1957, the IAEA carries out programmes to maximize the useful contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.
Press Contacts
Marc Vidricaire
Director and Spokesperson
Division of Public Information
[43-1] 2600-21270
m.vidricaire@iaea.org
Melissa Fleming
Head of Media & Outreach/Spokesperson
Div. of Public Information
[43-1] 2600-21275
[43] 699-165-21275 (mobile)
m.fleming@iaea.org
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the IAEA's Press Section, or call the IAEA's Division of Public Information at (431) 2600-21270.