Weapons inspectors visit palace unannounced

United Nations weapons inspectors today made their first unnannounced visit to one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces, making an early test of new powers to inspect for weapons of mass destruction anywhere, anytime.

United Nations weapons inspectors today made their first unannounced visit to one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces, making an early test of new powers to inspect for weapons of mass destruction anywhere, anytime.

A dispute over Saddam's vast presidential palaces contributed to the breakdown in the UN inspections regime in December 1998.