UN weapons inspectors still need "a few months" to complete their work in Iraq, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Mohamed El-Baradei said today.
"It is too early to come to a conclusion," Mr El-Baradei said in a television interview. "I think we need still a few months before we can reach that conclusion."
But he said: "I can say we're making progress, that we have not seen any evidence that they have revived their clandestine past nuclear programme".
The arms inspectors are due to report to the Security Council on Thursday but have to deliver a major assessment on Iraqi compliance with council resolutions on January 27th.
The Western build-up towards a possible US-led war in Iraq continued today with French president Mr Jacques Chirac telling the country's troops to stand ready for "anything that may happen".
Moreover, with Washington continuing its military build-up in the Gulf, Britain is expected to announce later today a decision to mobilise thousands of troops and send a helicopter assault ship to the region at the end of January.
Speaking earlier, US President Mr George W Bush called a defiant statement from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein "discouraging news" for a peaceful resolution.
The Iraqi president, who denies having any weapons programmes, has accused UN inspectors of carrying out intelligence work.