A UN laboratory analysing samples gathered by inspectors in Iraq has found no evidence yet of a nuclear weapons programme, the lab's director said today.
Scientists at a UN laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, have tested 16 of 20 swabs taken by inspectors from air filters, metal pipes and the environment for traces of nuclear materials used in weapons.
"Until now there is practically nothing detectable which would conclude [there is] a nuclear weapons programme," Ms Gabriele Voigt said. Ms Voigt is director of one of five laboratories worldwide that are testing samples for nuclear material.
"You always detect something," Voigt said, referring to background radiation, but added there was "nothing which would really allow conclusions that something illegal is going on".
In Bulgaria, International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed El Baradei said in a statement that more time was needed to complete the inspectors' work. "I cannot rule out the existence of such weapons simply because I have no proof," Mr El Baradei said.
He is due to brief the UN Security Council on Monday on his inspectors' search for traces of an illegal nuclear arms programme in Iraq. Dr Hans Blix will brief the council on inspections for chemical, biological and missile weapons.
Iraq says it does not have banned weapons and that past weapons programmes have been eliminated.