Iraq must prove arms destruction, says Blix

UNITED NATIONS weapons chief Hans Blix said yesterday Iraq must prove that it has destroyed banned weapons and let its scientists answer questions freely.

With the United States signalling impatience over Iraqi compliance with UN disarmament demands, Blix and International Atomic Energy Agency director Mohamed ElBaradei embarked on a four-day diplomatic tour that will end in Baghdad on Sunday.

Mr Blix described the current situation as very tense and dangerous and said there were two major avenues open to Iraq.