<Hans Blix, putting on track shoes and getting a good running start, propels his head up his own ass.

Chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix said Friday that inspectors hadn't found any weapons of mass destruction, interviews with scientists have been useful and he cast doubt on evidence provided by Secretary of State Colin Powell indicating Iraq may have cleaned-up sites before inspectors arrived.



"In no case have we seen convincing evidence that the Iraqi side knew in advance that the inspectors were coming," Blix said.

Pointing to one case Powell highlighted using satellite photos of a munitions depot, Blix said: "The reported movement of munitions at the site could just as easily have been a routine activity as a movement of proscribed munitions in anticipation of an imminent inspection. Our reservation on this point does not detract from our appreciation for the briefing."

Regarding weapons of mass destruction, Blix said inspectors "has not found any such weapons, only a small number of empty chemical munitions, which should have been declared and destroyed," he said.

"Another matter and one of great significance is that many proscribed weapons and items are not accounted for. One must not jump to the conclusion that they exist. However, that possibility is also not excluded. If they exist, they should be presented for destruction. If they do not exist, credible evidence to that effect should be presented."

...Blix said private interviews with three Iraqi scientists "proved informative," but since the interviews conducted in Baghdad on Feb. 8-9, "no further interviews have since been accepted on our terms."

"I hope this will change," he said. "We feel that interviews conducted without any third party present and without tape recording would provide the greatest credibility."

Under intense pressure, Iraq agreed to press scientists to agree to private interviews earlier this month. Previously, all scientists insisted on being accompanied by an Iraqi official or having their interview tape recorded.



Apparently having observed the mental state of those opposed to the use of military force in Iraq, Saddam takes a course of action that would make an impression only on people who had their head firmly up their own asses.

Warning...do not read with coffee in mouth. Trust me on this.

Saddam Hussein banned all weapons of mass destruction from Iraq on Friday, meeting a longtime U.N. demand hours before chief U.N. weapons inspectors were to deliver crucial reports on Iraqi disarmament.



The presidential decree forbids the production or importation of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, or of any materials that could be used to make them.

"All ministries should implement this decree and take whatever measures are necessary to punish people who do not adhere to it," the decree read.

...Iraq's parliament met in an emergency session to consider legislation banning weapons of mass destruction, but Saddam's decree — announced moments before the parliament session began — appeared to make the legislation unnecessary.

The parliament usually follows Saddam's direction, although it dissented from his decision in November to let the weapons inspectors resume their work after a four-year break.



Scientists continue under threat of death to themselves or their families if they talk about the weapons programs that do not exist.