IAEA Media Advisory

IAEA Media Advisory 2003/1303 (13 March 2003)

News Update on Iraq Inspections

UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq, 13 March 2003

For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.

13 March 2003 -- UNMOVIC continued to supervise the destruction of Al Samoud 2 missiles and components. 3 more Al Samoud 2 missiles were destroyed, along with 7 warheads and 22 fin-tail sections, at the Taji Technical Battalion. Today's action brings the total number of Al Samoud 2 missiles and warheads destroyed since 1 March to 61 and 35 respectively. Additional Al Samoud 2-related materials and components were also destroyed at the Waziriyah plant. The destroyed materials and components were shipped to Taji for disposal. One missile team went to Mutaseem to place tags onto 4 Al Fatah missiles.

An UNMOVIC biological team returned to the Al Aziziyah Airfield and Firing Range and continued to observe the excavation of R-400 bombs and bomb fragments. Another biological team inspected the Fasten Frozen Foods Co. Ltd, located in southeast Baghdad. The plant produces dairy products, including ice cream, yogurt and cheese.

An UNMOVIC chemical team visited the State Company for Canned Foods located 150km south of Baghdad. The facility was found closed due to a holiday.

An UNMOVIC multidisciplinary team flew by helicopter to an area approximately 150km south of Baghdad. A Mosul-based multidisciplinary team inspected a construction facility located west of Mosul.

There was a traffic accident this afternoon, involving an UNMOVIC vehicle. Despite immediate medical assistance, including prompt help from the Iraqi side, as a result of his injuries, one UNMOVIC inspector died. Another UNMOVIC inspector was injured. We are not releasing the name or nationality of the deceased inspector until the next-of-kin have been contacted. We are conducting an enquiry into how the accident occurred. The UNMOVIC colleagues' thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

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.