In a related development, the second fact-finding team is leaving for Iraq next week.

But unlike the previous survey team, which mainly looked into the security situation, this team will focus its inspections on local, cultural, social and administrative conditions and needs for rehabilitation assistance.

A senior government official said Thursday that, also unlike the first team, the new inspection team will be exclusively comprised of government officials representing construction, health and welfare and home ministries.

The official explained the nature and role of the new team will be different from those of the first group since the government has already pledged to send more troops to Iraq.