Top inspectors reluctant to return to Iraq without concessions

Top UN arms inspectors said they would not agree to new talks in Baghdad unless Iraq demonstrated more cooperation and met unspecified conditions. One hinted it might be necessary to meet Saddam Hussein to resolve the crisis.

Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the UN nuclear agency, and chief inspector Hans Blix were invited by the Iraqis to return for talks before their crucial report to the UN Security Council on February 14.