Where does this leave us on the crucial issues?

U-2 spy planes

Iraq has agreed to allow flights by U-2 spy planes. Mr Blix said flights are expected to start next week. Inspectors are also likely to use French Mirage aircraft. Germany has offered unmanned drones and Russia offered its Antonov aircraft with night-vision capabilities. Mr Blix said: "Such measures could well increase the effectiveness of inspections."

Biological and chemical weapons

Mr Blix said inspectors had found no evidence of chemical or biological weapons. He said Baghdad still had to produce information on alleged stocks of up to 8,500 litres of anthrax and the nerve agent VX. More than 200 chemical and 100 biological samples have been collected. He said results so far were "consistent with Iraq's declarations". Fifty litres of mustard gas declared by Iraq is being destroyed. Mohamed al-Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said there was no evidence Iraq had resumed its nuclear weapons programme.

General co-operation

The US and Britain say Iraq has breached UN resolutions since 1990. Resolution 1441 said Iraq must co-operate in disarming or "face serious consequences". The US said yesterday that Iraq had not co-operated and had breached 1441. Mr Blix said inspections were making progress. "The period of disarmament through inspection could still be short, if immediate, active and unconditional co-operation with Unmovic and the IAEA were to be forthcoming." Iraq has banned importing or making weapons of mass destruction – a key UN demand.

Illegal missiles

The UN team has been inspecting Al-Samoud 2 and Al-Fatah missiles, suspected of being able to exceed the UN's 150km limit. Mr Blix said Al-Samoud could exceed this range and would thus be banned under 1991's resolution 687. He said more data was required before a decision could be made on Al-Fatah missiles.

Links between al-Qa'ida and Iraq

Mr Blix did not comment on one of the most contentious issues over Iraq. Colin Powell argued again yesterday there was proof of links. Most observers believe the case has not been made and that an Islamist group, Ansar al-Islam – said to have links with al-Qa'ida – is operating outside Iraq's control. France's Foreign Minister, Dominique de Villepin, said he did believe Mr Powell had made the case.

Interviewing scientists

Just three scientists have spoken on "UN terms" so far. "These interviews proved informative. No further interviews have since been accepted on our terms. I hope this will change," said Mr Blix.