UN begins inspection of palaces in Iraq

Iraq had earlier objected to the indefinite inspection of Presidential palaces but relented later when the UN secretary general Kofi Annan negotiated a settlement.

"We have a brief to watch all development in relations between Iraq and the United Nations to avert any escalation that might develop," Shah said adding that he will maintain a line of communication between the Iraqi leadership and Annan to avoid any misunderstandings.

The UN chief weapons inspector Richard Butler who had been earlier accused of being an American stooge, said in Baghdad that the first inspections of the disputedPresidential sites will be over by the month end.

Butler was now talking of finishing his work quickly on the ground that the Iraqis were cooperating in a "high degree" indicating that the inspections may not be indefinite and the Iraqis may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

The weapons inspectors will now inspect the sites accompanied by the UN diplomats so as not to violate Iraqi sovereignty.

Butler said he had a fair idea of how long it will take to cover all the eight palaces but would not disclose it and added that he did not think the presence of Shah and Dhanapala will hinder the inspection team’s work.

He said the UN diplomats are here to ensure that the inspections are conducted in a way that shows regard for Iraq’s sovereignty but at the same time without detracting from the quality of such inspections.

Shah is to meet the deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and the Iraqi foreign minister. He will also meet President Saddam Hussein though no date has been fixed yet.

Meanwhile, aBahraini plane loaded with two tonnes of humanitarian supplies of food and medicines arrived in Baghdad after being cleared by the United Nations.