Iraq offers 'compromise' in weapons row

Just days before a crucial round of talks with chief inspectors, a senior Iraqi official said today that Baghdad was “keen to resolve any pending issues” in the UN search for banned weapons, but didn’t immediately offer new concessions.

Major General Hossam Mohamed Amin indicated that Iraq may have compromise proposals on hand for the talks next Saturday and Sunday with Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei. “We shall do our best to make (Blix’s) visit successful,” Amin said.