Tuesday December 3, 2002 6:20 AM

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.N. weapons inspectors on Tuesday made their first unnannounced visit to one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces, making an early test of new powers to inspect for weapons of mass destruction anywhere, anytime.

After seven minutes of discussion, the huge gates were opened at the west Baghdad complex, one of many presidential palaces in Iraq, and a half dozen U.N vehicles entered.

The Iraqis have until Sunday to disclose details of their chemical, biological and nuclear programs, but they have been insisting that the country is free of weapons of mass destruction.

A dispute over Saddam's vast presidential palaces contributed to the breakdown in the U.N. inspections regime in December 1998. The Iraqis had obstructed visits to a few compounds they designated sensitive, until a compromise arrangement allowed inspections with notification and a diplomatic escort.

The new Security Council resolution ignores those arrangements and demands full, unfettered access to all sites.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002