IAEA Media Advisory
IAEA Media Advisory 2003/1601 (16 January 2003)
News Update on Iraq Inspections
UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq. 16 January 2003
For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.
16 January 2003 -- An UNMOVIC inspection team visited the residences of two Iraqi scientists in Baghdad in search of documents. Some documents related to past proscribed activities, dating from the early 1990s, were taken for further evaluation.
An UNMOVIC multidisciplinary team visited the Ukhaider Ammunition Storage Area to inspect a large group of bunkers constructed in the late 1990’s. During the course of their inspection, the team discovered 11 empty 122 mm chemical warheads and one warhead that requires further evaluation. The warheads were in excellent condition and were similar to ones imported by Iraq during the late 1980’s. The team used portable X-Ray equipment to conduct a preliminary analysis of one of the warheads and collected samples for chemical testing.
An UNMOVIC missile team traveled 18 km southeast of Baghdad to the Al Nidaa State Company, which manufactures specialized equipment used in the production of solid propellant rocket motors. The inspection team held technical discussions with plant representatives in an attempt to verify information received during inspections of other sites within Iraq.
The second missile team inspected the Nissan 17 Factory in Baghdad. The factory produces moulds and casts for both military and civil applications, including components for the Al Samoud ballistic missile.
An UNMOVIC chemical team went to a couple of storage facilities in and around the Rasheed State Company for Production of Construction and Building Materials, 60 km outside of Baghdad.
Addition:
A Mosul-based multidisciplinary team inspected the Mosul Technical Institute yesterday. This Institute conducts agricultural research.
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.
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Division of Public Information
[43-1] 2600-21270
m.vidricaire@iaea.org
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Acting Head, Media and Outreach Section
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[43-1] 2600-21271
[43] 699-165-21271 (mobile)
a.evrensel@iaea.org
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