Iraqi scientist gives 'key information'

BBC ^

[Dallas]

UN weapons inspectors have said a key Iraqi scientist gave them details of a military programme that could be a "possible prelude to a clandestine nuclear programme".

UN spokesman Hiro Ueki said the information was obtained when International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) interviewed a "metallurgist from a high visibility state company".

The statement came after Mr Ueki said the inspectors were also preparing to question scientist for the first time outside the country.

But the BBC's Caroline Hawley says Mr Ueki later told the BBC that this now looked less imminent, refusing to give a reason for the delay.

On Friday, UN inspectors also visited three sites in Iraq, including a brewery, in search of weapons of mass destruction.

Baghdad has continued to insist that it has no programme to develop banned nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

'Possible prelude'

In his daily report on inspections, Mr Ueki said that the scientist "provided technical details of a military programme".

"This programme has attracted considerable attention as a possible prelude to a clandestine nuclear programme," he said.

"The answers will be of great use in completing the IAEA assessment."

The scientist was not identified by the inspectors, but the Iraqi Foreign Ministry named him as Dr Kazem Jamil, who worked at the al-Raya plant that produced aluminium for use in the manufacture short-range rockets.

Dr Jamil was only the second Iraqi expert interviewed by the inspectors. The first one declined to be questioned in private and insisted on an Iraqi witness.

But UN attempts to begin questioning Iraqi scientists outside Iraq - in accordance with a UN resolution - appear to have run into difficulty.

Mr Ueki did not comment on the reason of the delay, saying the details will be given on a press conference on Saturday.

Our correspondent says Baghdad fiercely opposes such moves, despite a strong pressure from the US.

On Thursday, Iraq's chief liaison officer with the UN inspectors, General Hossam Mohammad Amin, said the teams had visited 188 sites but had found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction.

Meanwhile - as both sides continue to prepare for a possible conflict - the head of the UN's refugee agency told the BBC that the international community should do everything to prevent a war.

The Iraqi Government has already begun helping its citizens stockpile food in case of a US-led attack and Washington is continuing its military build-up in the area.

[The Raven]

Maybe the guy's family is already in jail

[R. Scott]

We have been told many times that Mr. Bush posses irrefutable evidence of Iraq’s WMD. Why is there any need for the interviews?
The media announced several days ago that this evidence was turned over to the inspectors. Why not just go, see, get on a plane and report after leaving Iraq?
It wouldn’t be too healthy for the inspectors to remain incountry after visiting one of those sites. In fact, I’m wondering how they could possibly escape with their lives if they even accidentally stumbled on one.

[Diplomat]

Hop in my Humvee, it's as big as a whale And it's about to set SAILLL! I got me a Boeing, it seats about eighty So hurry up! And bring your incendiaries!

Brilliant and lol funny. Allow me the pleasure of finishing your song.

The IIIIIraq is a little old place where we can get saddam
IIIIIraq baby, IIIIIraq bay-bee.
IIIIIraq, baby, IIIIIraq
IIIIIraq, baby, IIIIIraq
Ooo III baby, that's where it's at

Bang bang bang on your palace saddam! Knock a little louder smart bomb!
Bang bang bang on your palace saddam! I can't hear you
bang bang on your palace saddam
bang bang on your palace
bang bang on your palace saddam bang bang
You're what?... Tin roof, busted!

The IIIIIraq is a little old place where we can get saddam
IIIIIraq baby, IIIIIraq bay-bee.
IIIIIraq, baby, IIIIIraq
IIIIIraq, baby, IIIIIraq
Ooo III baby, that's where it's at