Iraq-UN talks today

A high-level Iraqi delegation today begins two days of talks with the United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, about Baghdad's demand for the lifting of sanctions.

The meeting has been requested by Iraq, and while correspondents say expectations are low that any breakthrough can be achieved, they add that the Iraqis have at least signalled a willingness to talk.

UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in 1998, and the Security Council says they must be allowed to return before sanctions can be lifted.

However, the Iraqis say they will provide documents proving that the country is free of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service