Iraq may allow UN weapons inspectors to return

FACING the increasing possibility of US military action, Iraq yesterday gave the first solid indication in nearly four years that it will allow UN weapons inspectors to return and invited the chief inspector to Baghdad for talks.

Saddam Hussein chose the eve of the 12th anniversary of his invasion of Kuwait an act that sparked the 1991 Gulf War to make the surprise move. The return of inspectors is a key demand of the UN Security Council and especially of the US, which has accused Iraq of trying to rebuild its banned weapons programmes and of supporting terrorism.

The US last night responded by demanding unfettered international inspection of Iraq's suspected weapons sites. Referring to Iraq's invitation, US National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack said: "It should be a very short discussion. What Saddam should say is, 'Yes, I accept any time, anywhere, any place unfettered inspections."'