The IAEA has commented on both the "Iraq Dossier" released by the British government and possible further nuclear-related inspections in Iraq.
Commenting on the British assessment, "Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction," issued on September 24, the IAEA noted:
"We will be seeking further detailed information from the UK government on the nuclear activities described in the report in order that we are able to conduct the necessary systematic follow-up. The information in the report reinforces the need for resumed inspections. Only through a resumption of UNSC-mandated inspections can we come to verifiable conclusions. All information available to us currently does not allow us without inspection to draw any conclusions about Iraq's nuclear activities."
On the possibility that IAEA inspectors will return to Iraq soon to resume work suspended in 1998, the IAEA noted:
"Our mandate under UNSC 687 (and other relevant resolutions) is clear, and we will follow any new directive from the UN Security Council should they decide to do so. Now that Iraq has indicated its willingness to see a return of inspectors, we are preparing to do so. We have a resumption plan, and are preparing to go to Iraq around mid-October."
Concerning the discussions with Iraq scheduled for next week, the IAEA noted:
"We look forward to the full cooperation of the Government of Iraq on these matters so that we can reinstate our Security Council mandated activities. Prior to our return, however, it will be necessary to ensure that Iraq fully understands our logistical, security and other support needs and provides full cooperation. To this end, we are hosting discussions with Iraq currently scheduled to take place in Vienna on September 30 and possibly October 1. If all goes well, an UNMOVIC/IAEA team will visit Iraq around mid-October."
The IAEA also noted that, under the relevant UNSC resolutions, UNMOVIC and the IAEA have distinct and different mandates. UNMOVIC is responsible for the chemical, biological and missile files, while the IAEA is responsible for the nuclear file. Each has separate inspection teams, but they work closely together, particularly in making use of UNMOVIC's logistical arrangements.