DATE=9/30/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / INSPECTORS (S UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-294676

BYLINE=DOUG BAKSHIAN

DATELINE=VIENNA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// UPDATES CR 2-294657 /////

INTRO: Progress is reported at talks in Vienna to prepare for new weapons inspections in Iraq, but as Doug Bakshian reports from the Austrian capital, U-N officials say more work needs to be done.

TEXT: After a day of talks, U-N officials spoke briefly with reporters. Mohammed El-Baradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency delegation, summarized events.

/// EL-BARADEI ACT ///

I think we went through a good deal of issues. We will continue tomorrow. I think we are making progress. But we still have a lot of work to do.

/// END ACT ///

Hans Blix, who heads the U-N inspectors delegation, said there was a full day of discussions that involved a first reading of all the practical arrangements that would be needed if inspectors go back to Iraq.

The Iraq delegation did not speak to reporters.

U-N inspectors pulled out of Iraq four-years ago, saying they were not being allowed to work effectively.

The talks end Tuesday and the U-N negotiators report the results to the Security Council on Thursday. (SIGNED)

NEB/DB/KL/RAE