Nuclear teams could start Libya inspections (as early as) next week

[Wonk]

By Nigel Morris
23 December 2003

Inspections of Libyan nuclear sites could start as early as next week, as moves intensified yesterday to bring the north African state back into the international fold.

Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said he would visit Tripoli next week for initial talks on the state of the Libyan nuclear programme. He said the meeting would "kickstart a process of verification" of Libya's arms, adding: "Inspections will follow, as early as next week."

He said the visit was a positive step by Libya to "rid itself of all programmes or activities that are relevant or could lead to the production of weapons of mass destruction". Mr ElBaradei said he would brief the IAEA's governing board about Libya's illicit nuclear activities, including a uranium enrichment programme to produce bomb-grade material.

Downing Street has said that the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, had not "acquired a nuclear weapons capability, though it was close to developing one".

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http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=475683