U.N. Team Visits 6 New Sites, Returns to 2 Others
U.N. weapons inspectors visited eight facilities in Iraq on Wednesday, including six being viewed for the first time since the monitors arrived last month.
Among the new sites visited were Mosul University and Saddam Dam near Mosul, 250 miles north of Baghdad, the capital. Inspectors also toured the Specialist Institute for Engineering Industries, a water drainage area, Al-Fidaa Co. and the Modern Paints Co., all in the Baghdad area.
Outside Baghdad, inspectors returned to Al Nasr State Co. for Mechanical Industries, which produced munitions, particularly aerial bombs, that may have held chemical agents. Employees at the complex also worked to extend the range of imported Scud missiles.
The inspectors also went to a military site in Balad, about 35 miles north of Baghdad, which they first visited Nov. 30. Balad was among the sites Iraq declared “sensitive” during inspections in the 1990s. Under informal agreements with U.N. officials, notice was given of inspections at such sites.
Under the new program, the U.N. does not give notice.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
