"The inspections had a quite good start and the Iraqis have promised to submit the report (on the existence of all their arms)by Dec. 8. We were a little worried that they could not do it but they have promised that they can," said Annan.

"The Iraqis must fully cooperate. It must be a sustained cooperation to avoid a military conflict," said Annan in an interview with French radio Europe 1.

A team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) enteredthe sites on the outskirts of Baghdad on Wednesday, marking the resumption of the UN weapons inspection in Iraq after a four-year interruption.

"I do not think that war is inevitable if, frankly, Iraq takes the chances it has today and cooperates fully with the inspectors," Annan said.

The UN inspectors can go into all presidential sites in Iraq, said Annan, adding that "the element of surprise also counts."

The UN Security Council resolution 1441, adopted unanimously, imposed a tough inspection regime on Iraq. The United States threatens to launch military action against Iraq if it fails to comply.

On Iraq's using ground-air missiles against US and British war planes in the no-fly zone, Annan said this does not constitute a breach of the resolution, therefore not a cause for war. "This is not part of the resolution 1441," he said, opposing Washington's position.

When asked about a change of regime in Iraq, Annan said: "It isquite possible that the Iraqi people wish the change, but it is upto them to decide."

Annan also paid tribute to the efforts of French President Jacques Chirac and his men "who brilliantly handled the affairs" and contributed to the adoption of resolution 1441.

"Even the Americans finally appreciated the role played by France," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2002)