On second day, UN-Iraq talks continue at expert level

United Nations-Iraq talks focusing on the return of weapons inspectors entered their second day today in New York with the two sides meeting at the expert level.

"There will be several meetings of experts on issues related to the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC)," UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe told reporters at UN Headquarters, where the talks are being held.

She said the UN team was led by UNMOVIC Executive Chairman Hans Blix, while the Iraqi side was represented by Dr. Jafaar Dhia Jafaar, Presidential Adviser, and General Amir H. Al-Saadi, Adviser from the Presidential Office.

The talks, set to run through Friday, began yesterday with a one-on-one meeting between Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, followed by the meeting between the two delegations.