The United Nations has said talks with Iraq on the return of UN weapons inspectors will resume in July.

A UN spokesman said Secretary General Kofi Annan would meet Iraq's foreign minister, Naji Sabri, in the first few days of the month, but wouldn't comment on speculation that the talks would be held in Austria.

Iraq has complained that the US delays issuing visas for Iraqi officials when negotiations take place in New York.

Discussions there earlier this month failed to secure the return of UN inspectors, who would assess whether President Saddam Hussein still holds or produces weapons of mass destruction.

The UN rejected Iraq's wish to broaden the discussions to include US threats to topple President Saddam, and the lifting of UN sanctions against Baghdad.

Mr Annan said he hoped Iraq would come to the next round with positive news.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service