United Nations, Dec 02: The only thing stopping terrorist outfit al-Qaeda from carrying out a deadly chemical or biological attack is a lack of technical know-how, a new UN experts report said. The report released yesterday also paints a bleak picture of international efforts to clamp down on Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network, which it said is attracting young Muslims worldwide who are finding an "ideal battle ground" in Iraq. "They have already taken the decision to use chemical and bio-weapons in forthcoming attacks," the report said. "The only restraint they are facing is the technical complexity to operate them properly and effectively." The report, issued by an expert group set up by the UN Security Council, said sanctions against al-Qaeda and Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime are proving difficult to fully implement. It said the groups are finding their way around the restrictions, which include a freeze on assets, a travel ban and an arms embargo.


"Many of al-Qaeda's sources of funding have not yet been uncovered or blocked," it said. "Al-Qaeda continues to have access to funds through charities, deep-pocket donors and from business and criminal activities, including the drug trade."

The panel concluded that many nations are not taking the steps needed to crack down on terror groups and called on the UN Security Council to pass a new resolution that would compel nations to comply.

Bureau Report