UN begins inspection of nuclear sites in Libya

The UN nuclear watchdog said today it had begun its inspections of Libya's nuclear facilities and visited four sites near the…

The UN nuclear watchdog said today it had begun its inspections of Libya's nuclear facilities and visited four sites near the capital for the first time.

A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency said the UN team, which arrived in Tripoli on Saturday led by IAEA chief Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, was now drafting a work plan with the Libyan authorities for the coming weeks.

"Inspections did commence on Sunday. Dr ElBaradei and his team went to four nuclear sites previously unvisited and all four were in the Tripoli area," Mr Mark Gwozdecky told reporters.

"Right now we are continuing our technical discussions with the Libyan authorities to develop a workplan for the days and weeks ahead."

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He gave no further details of the sites or what they contained.

Under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which Libya signed in the 1970s, the country is required to declare all sensitive nuclear installations to the United Nations.

Earlier this month Libya acknowledged trying to develop banned weapons, including atomic arms, and invited inspectors in.

A diplomat close to the delegation said it was possible Dr ElBaradei would meet Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi tomorrow.