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18/04/2003
Pressure grows for UN inspection role in Iraq
UN inspection teams could yet play a key role in searching for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Chief United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix says that UN inspectors could assist coalition forces to search for weapons in Iraq.
Mr Blix told the BBC that although no weapons had been found it was "too early" to rule out their existence. However he admitted that he was a little more inclined to believe that they never had any weapons of mass destruction in the first place.
The question of the existence of such weapons, and the finds so far by US and British forces, were a clear indication that UN inspectors should return to Iraq to verify and examine any discoveries made.
Mr Blix said: "I think that the world would like to have a credible report on the absence or eradication of the programme of weapons of mass destruction."
As the focus shifts to a post-war reconstruction of the Iraq, diplomatic moves are intensifying. French President Jacques Chirac has said that it is up to the UN to decide when trade sanctions are lifted.
Elsewhere, three culture advisors to the US administration have resigned in protest at the failure of troops to do more to safeguard museums in Iraq that were looted after the fall of the regime.
(SP)
Chief United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix says that UN inspectors could assist coalition forces to search for weapons in Iraq.
Mr Blix told the BBC that although no weapons had been found it was "too early" to rule out their existence. However he admitted that he was a little more inclined to believe that they never had any weapons of mass destruction in the first place.
The question of the existence of such weapons, and the finds so far by US and British forces, were a clear indication that UN inspectors should return to Iraq to verify and examine any discoveries made.
Mr Blix said: "I think that the world would like to have a credible report on the absence or eradication of the programme of weapons of mass destruction."
As the focus shifts to a post-war reconstruction of the Iraq, diplomatic moves are intensifying. French President Jacques Chirac has said that it is up to the UN to decide when trade sanctions are lifted.
Elsewhere, three culture advisors to the US administration have resigned in protest at the failure of troops to do more to safeguard museums in Iraq that were looted after the fall of the regime.
(SP)
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05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
03 October 2003
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
25 October 2004
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
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UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
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18 July 2003
Blair and Bush stand behind decision to go to war
Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush have stood firm in their decision to go to war, amid continued questions over the reliability of key intelligence claims about Saddam Hussein's military capabilities.
Blair and Bush stand behind decision to go to war
Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush have stood firm in their decision to go to war, amid continued questions over the reliability of key intelligence claims about Saddam Hussein's military capabilities.
29 May 2003
Rumsfeld concedes Iraq may have destroyed weapons
The Prime Minister's visit to Iraq has been overshadowed today by the US Defense Secretary's suggestion yesterday that Saddam Hussein may have destroyed any weapons of mass destruction (WMD) he possessed prior to war breaking out – thereby robbing the Coalition of its justification for war.
Rumsfeld concedes Iraq may have destroyed weapons
The Prime Minister's visit to Iraq has been overshadowed today by the US Defense Secretary's suggestion yesterday that Saddam Hussein may have destroyed any weapons of mass destruction (WMD) he possessed prior to war breaking out – thereby robbing the Coalition of its justification for war.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
