Nuclear chief wants more time for weapons inspections

The United Nations’ nuclear weapons expert, preparing to give a crucial report to the UN Security Council today, said inspections should continue for months because “we are moving forward”.

Mohamed ElBaradei, the nuclear chief, and Hans Blix, his counterpart, will tell the council that Iraq is developing new missile systems, has imported parts that could be used for a nuclear programme, and still isn’t co-operating 100%, UN officials say.