IAEA Media Advisory
IAEA Media Advisory 2003/2101 (21 January 2003)
News Update on Iraq Inspections
UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq. 21 January 2003
For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.
21 January 2003 -- An UNMOVIC multidisciplinary team traveled to the location of the four 122mm rocket warheads, which Iraq had found. The inspectors examined, X-rayed and tagged the warheads. The bunker containing them was sealed.
An UNMOVIC team of missile inspectors went to Al Mutaseem, 90 km south of Baghdad, to observe a static test of an Al Fatah motor. It is a solid propellant motor that Iraq plans to use in its ground-to-ground Al Fatah missile system. Another missile team traveled to the Shahiyat Test Facility, about 100 km north of Baghdad, to verify that this site was still abandoned.
An UNMOVIC chemical team re-visited the Al Qa Qaa complex and inspected some units producing chemicals, such as propellant stabilizers. A portable analytical instrument was used, as was a metal analyzing instrument.
An UNMOVIC biological team inspected the College of Agriculture, Baghdad University, in Abu Ghraib, about 30 km west of Baghdad, to verify the tagged equipment. Another biological team inspected the Agricultural Research Centre (IPA), located also in Abu Ghraib. The Centre undertakes research in such areas as plant diseases, development of disease resistant plants and soil improvement.
A Mosul-based multidisciplinary team inspected a lime production facility. The site produces lime from limestone rock.
The IAEA inspected the Tuwaitha site, 24 km east of Baghdad. The team conducted a motorized radiation survey, checked sealed equipment, and inspected buildings.
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
Ayhan Evrensel
Acting Head, Media and Outreach Section
Division of Public Information
[43-1] 2600-21271
[43] 699-165-21271 (mobile)
a.evrensel@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.