IAEA Media Advisory
IAEA Media Advisory 2003/2702 (27 February 2003)
News Update on Iraq Inspections
UNMOVIC IAEA Press Statement on Inspection Activities in Iraq, 27 February 2003
For full coverage, see the pages on IAEA and Iraq.
27 February 2003 -- The first Mirage IV surveillance operation was conducted successfully yesterday, 26 February.
An UNMOVIC chemical team returned to the Al Muthana site and supervised the successful drilling of eight remaining artillery shells filled with mustard as well as the detoxication of mustard taken from the shells. A second chemical team inspected the Northern Refineries Company in Baiji approximately 240km north of Baghdad.
An UNMOVIC biological team returned to the Al Aziziyah Airfield and Firing Range and observed further digging in search of R-400 aerial bombs and bomb fragments. Iraq claims that these bombs were filled with biological agents and destroyed at this site in 1991. Additional fragments of R-400 bombs were identified.
An UNMOVIC missile team inspected the David Bros Company in Baghdad. The inspection was in response to Iraq’s declaration concerning a supplier of specialized missile equipment. The company is involved in supplying electronic equipment and mechanical components for missile and in the research and development of remote piloted vehicle (RPV).
An UNMOVIC multidisciplinary team performed an aerial surveillance over and around two large sites situated west and southwest of Baghdad. These sites correspond to the facilities, which were involved in chemical and biological research and development in the past.
One IAEA team inspected the State Establishment for Electrical
Industries (SEEI), which is a small motors and electrical appliances
manufacturer in Baghdad. A second IAEA team performed a car-borne
radiation survey in industrial areas about 90km west 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.