United Nations: Chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix, whose work was cut short by American ultimatum to President Saddam Hussein, has doubts that Iraq would use chemical or biological weapons against American forces in the event of a war.

It is a "theoretical possibility" but such a scenario is "unlikely", he told reporters on March 18 as he pulled out his inspectors ahead of a possible US-led military attack, after three-and-half months of inspections.

If they (Iraq) use such weapons, the world would turn against the Iraqi regime, he said.

Blix declined to say whether the Iraqis co-operated fully. "You don't know what you don't know. You don't know what might have been held back."

However, he did say that inspectors would have needed months to finish their work and come to the conclusion whether or not Baghdad has chemical weapons.

He expressed disappointment over the way the inspections have ended and said that the Security Council resolution 1441 would not have envisaged such a short timeframe for inspections.

PTI