Chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix said he hopes to send an advance team of inspectors to Baghdad October 15.
Blix said he hoped to send an advance party of inspectors shortly after he completes preparatory talks with the Iraqi authorities early next month. Diplomats quoted him as saying he planned to do so on October 15, but he did not confirm the date.
"We will select some sites that we think are interesting to go to in the early phases," Blix said.
Blix met at UN headquarters with two top Iraqi officials Tuesday for initial talks on the practical details of restarting inspections. The two sides agreed to resume and conclude their talks in Vienna in the week starting September 30.
The meetings in Vienna are due to work out logistics, such as offices, transport, communications, accommodations, escorts and landing sites for aircraft as well as open new offices in Basra and Mosul.
The U.S. administration is seeking Security Council support for a resolution authorizing military action against Baghdad if it blocks any access for the U.N. arms experts. (Albawaba.com)
