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S P E C I A L: The Standoff with Iraq U.N. votes to let Iraq sell more oil
Proceeds to be used for humanitarian relief
February 20, 1998
Web posted at: 8:10 p.m. EST (0110 GMT)NEW YORK (CNN) -- The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Friday to permit Iraq to sell more of its oil in exchange for food and other supplies.
The plan was along the lines of what U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan had recommended -- that the Security Council boost the amount of oil Iraq could export over a six-month period from the current level of $2 billion to $5.26 billion.
He also proposed allowing Iraq to spend $3.4 billion on humanitarian aid, up from the current level of $1.2 billion. Much of the rest of the money would go into a compensation fund for victims of the 1991 Persian Gulf War and to defray the costs of U.N. programs in Iraq.
"It is a clear message that we are not prepared to see the Iraqi people suffer as a consequence of the actions of their leaders," said John Weston, Britain's U.N. ambassador.
Iraq has been unable to sell its oil on the open market because of U.N. sanctions imposed after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The oil-for-food program, which began in December 1996, allows Iraq to sell a restricted amount of oil and use the proceeds to buy food and medicine.
Annan sought an increase in the amount of oil Iraqi could sell because U.N. and international aid agencies have said the current $2 billion program was inadequate to meet the country's humanitarian needs.
The United States had raised concerns about the size of the proposed increase but, in the end, voted for the plan after council diplomats were able to work out the final language.
Commitment to 'essential humanitarian needs'
The plan approved Friday "is a concrete demonstration that the United Nations ... remain committed to meeting the essential humanitarian needs of all Iraq's people," said Peter Burleigh, the United States' deputy U.N. ambassador.
Iraq has offered objections to some parts of the deal, including provisions under which U.N. humanitarian agencies will target aid to vulnerable groups, such as children and the poor. Iraq wanted more control over distribution decisions.
The proposal won't be implemented until Iraq submits a distribution plan to Annan. Iraqi officials have also said they can't pump more than $4 billion worth of oil until repairs are made to its oil fields and pipelines.
Iraq Standoff Main | Latest Stories | Message Board
Newsmaker profiles:
- Kofi Annan - U.N. Secretary General
- Saddam Hussein - Iraqi President
- Bill Clinton - U.S. President
Related stories:
- Annan begins 'sacred' mission in Iraq - February 20, 1998
- Annan optimistic on Iraq solution - February 19, 1998
- Clinton: U.N. chief has 'critical opportunity' - February 19, 1998
- U.N. aid workers leave Baghdad; Annan aides arrive - February 19, 1998
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