Iraq

CIA adviser hints at progress in finding illicit arms

WASHINGTON - A CIA adviser told lawmakers Thursday that progress was being made in the hunt for Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and that Iraqi scientists are "collaborating and cooperating."

David Kay, a special adviser for the weapons search, said inspectors have found physical evidence of Iraqi activity on weapons of mass destruction, but he declined to discuss details. He said investigators had made a "tactical and strategic decision" to focus on biological rather than on chemical or nuclear programs.

Americans "should not be surprised by (future) surprises," Kay told reporters after briefing members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in a closed-door session. He added, "We are surprised by new advances that we're making."

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Army has generated images of what Saddam Hussein could look like after three months on the run, although it did not release the pictures.

"Soldiers have been provided with examples of what he might look like," said Lt. Col. Ted Martin, operations officer for the 4th Infantry Division. "Maybe he looks exactly like he did. We explore every possibility."

AMMAN, Jordan - With much of Iraq still without basic phone service, U.S. occupation authorities said Thursday they intend to have a cellular system operating by November.

But potential bidders for the wireless licenses are complaining that the terms for the contracts are too restrictive.

At a conference in the Jordanian capital Thursday, more than 300 telecommunications executives from around the globe quizzed U.S. officials on the contracts.

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