I"A CALLS IT 'HIGHLY UNLIKELY' THAT IRAQ ENGAGED IN PROSCRIBED ACTIVITIES DURING 23-DAY ABSENCE OF ITS INSPECTORS

4 December 1997

Press Release
IAEA/1319
IK/232

IAEA CALLS IT 'HIGHLY UNLIKELY' THAT IRAQ ENGAGED IN PROSCRIBED ACTIVITIES DURING 23-DAY ABSENCE OF ITS INSPECTORS

19971204 Director-General of Agency Says Diversion Of Relevant Materials, Equipment Also Highly Unlikely

VIENNA, 4 December (IAEA) -- Director-General Mohamed Elbaradei of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today informed United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan that, in the nuclear field, it is highly unlikely that any proscribed activities occurred and that no relevant materials or equipment were diverted during the 23-day period of absence of IAEA inspectors from Iraq, from 29 October to 20 November.

Since returning to Iraq on 21 November, IAEA inspectors have carried out more than 40 inspections to restore the technical basis for the Agency's ongoing monitoring and verification activities in Iraq.

The Director-General also informed Mr. Annan that an IAEA team intends to visit Iraq in the week of 15 December to clarify a number of outstanding matters mentioned in the Agency's last report to the Security Council.

The Agency believes that resolution of these matters would provide further assurance that its technically coherent picture of Iraq's clandestine nuclear programme is comprehensive and that there are no activities outside this picture. It would also permit the IAEA to tailor its ongoing monitoring and verification activities appropriately.

* *** *