The delays were caused by new Argentine import restrictions, which the company said has hindered its ability to purchase necessary spare parts in-country to keep all open-pit mining equipment in continuousoperation.
However credible this assessment may be, we will endeavour - in view of the inherent uncertainties associated with any verification process, and, particularly in light of Iraq's past record of co-operation - to evaluate Iraq's capabilities on a continuous basis as part of our long-term monitoring and verification programme, in order to provide the international community with ongoing and real time assurances.