UN inspectors in Iraq

Iraq has given the United Nations a list of more than 500 scientists who have worked on its nuclear, chemical, biological, and ballistic weapons programs.

The list is a key demand in the U-N resolution demanding Iraq come clean about its efforts to build banned weapons of mass destruction.

Kathim Mojbil

U-N arms inspectors have already interviewed at least two Iraqi scientists as they check whether the programs are still in progress. Iraq insists it has rid itself of all weapons of mass destruction and no longer is making any effort to build them.

The United States and Britain say they believe Iraq is still hiding the weapons and have threatened military action unless Iraq agrees to give them up.

Meanwhile, U-N spokesman Hiro Ueki has backed off from comments he made Friday suggesting that Iraq has a secret nuclear program, and that an Iraqi scientist gave inspectors useful information about it.

Mr. Ueki told reporters he did not mean to make a judgment that Iraq is running a secret nuclear program. He also said inspectors knew that the scientist they interviewed Friday, Kathim Mujbil, was not involved in any nuclear program in the past.

Mr. Mujbil had complained about the spokesman's statement saying -- in his words -- it had nothing to do with the truth.

Mr. Mujbil told reporters today (Saturday) he is simply a metal specialist involved in treating pipes used in the manufacture of launching devices for short-range rockets. The United States and Britain suspect the piping could be used to help produce enriched uranium.

Meanwhile, the United States is sending more ships and troops to the Persian Gulf in preparation for possible war with Iraq. The Defense Department has ordered two more aircraft carriers to get ready to head to the region. Other U-S Navy ships are already stationed there, along with more than 50-thousand military personnel.

Iraq is threatening tough resistance against any attacking army. Iraq's Trade Minister Mohammed Mehdi Saleh addressed a conference in Baghdad today wearing military fatigues and said that if necessary, Iraqis will fight "street to street in every city."

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