IAEA Media Advisory
IAEA Media Advisory 2003/1102 (11 February 2003)
News Update on Iraq Inspections
UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq, 11 February 2003
For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.
11 February 2003 -- UNMOVIC sought another private interview with an Iraqi biological scientist last evening. He showed up for the appointment alone but did not agree to the mode of interview, as proposed by UNMOVIC. The interview therefore did not proceed.
An UNMOVIC chemical team went to Al Mutanna, approximately 140 km north of Baghdad in preparation for the beginning of the process of destroying 10 155mm artillery shells and four plastic containers filled with mustard gas. The destruction process will begin tomorrow and is expected to last four to five days to complete. UNMOVIC chemical inspectors will work with an Iraqi team in the destruction process. These artillery shells were scheduled to be destroyed by the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) in 1998 but the plan was halted when UNSCOM withdrew from Iraq. UNMOVIC ascertained on 4 December 2002 that these shells were still stored at Al Mutanna. An UNMOVIC chemical team will leave the Canal Hotel for Al Mutanna tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.
The IAEA held no-notice inspections at Tuwaitha, 15 km south of Baghdad today. Two mobile air samplers capable of measuring particulate nuclear matter have been deployed at suitable locations around Baghdad for the last four days. An IAEA team retrieved the two samplers and samples were taken. The samplers will be relocated in new positions tomorrow. Another IAEA team conducted a car-borne radiation survey of two military bases and surrounding areas in an area 20km 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.