Iraq 'making an effort to co-operate'

Chief weapons inspector Hans Blix says an Iraqi scientist's decision to be interviewed alone suggests Baghdad "is making an effort" to co-operate.

Asked about last night's three hour interview with an Iraqi biologist in Baghdad , Blix said: "I think it seems as if they are making an effort."

But he added: "We want to see a lot more this weekend," when he and chief nuclear inspector Mohamed ElBaradei meet senior Iraqi officials.

The weapons inspectors are heading to Cyprus en route to Baghdad, where their talks are set to begin on Saturday.

They intend to press the Iraqis to fully co-operate and provide evidence about their alleged weapons of mass destruction.