World IN BRIEF : IRAQ : Bio-Weapons Factory Being Dismantled

Iraqi officials and U.N. experts are dismantling a major biological weapons factory near Baghdad, as called for by international sanctions imposed after Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Destruction of the plant began in mid-May and will continue for at least another week, a U.N. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Based on documents provided by Iraq and on-site inspections, U.N. inspectors determined it was necessary to destroy the Al Hakam plant, a sprawling complex in the desert about 50 miles southwest of the capital. The official also said that a 50-member team of U.N. arms experts was en route to Baghdad to help destroy long-range missiles.