04 December 1997
TEXT: UNSC RESOLUTION 1143, IRAQ "OIL-FOR-FOOD" PROGRAM
(Security Council approved resolution to extend program) (1110) United Nations -- The Security Council December 4 unanimously approved a resolution extending its so-called "oil-for-food" program to help needy Iraqi civilians. Under the program, Iraq will be allowed to sell $2,000 million worth of crude oil in a 180-day period beginning December 5. The program, which is under strict U.N. supervision, then oversees the spending of the proceeds to cover some of Iraq's gulf war debts. The bulk of the money, however, goes to buy humanitarian supplies for needy Iraqis. The council also took note of a report by Secretary General Kofi Annan which said that, among other problems, there are delays in the supply contract approvals, shipments, and distribution to the Iraqi people and that the basic nutritional needs of most Iraqis are not being met. The council said it is willing to consider increasing the amount of oil Iraq is allowed to sell, if a report by Annan due in January so recommends. Following is the text of the resolution: (Begin text) The Security council, Recalling its previous resolutions and in particular its resolutions 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, 1111 (1997) of 4 June 1997 and 1129 (1997) of 12 September 1997, Convinced of the need as a temporary measure to continue to provide for the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people until the fulfillment by Iraq of the relevant resolutions, including notably resolution 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991, allows the Council to take further action with regard to the prohibitions referred to in resolution 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990, in accordance with the provisions of those resolutions, Convinced also of the need for equitable distribution of humanitarian relief to all segments of the Iraqi population throughout the country, Welcoming the report submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 1111 (1997) (S/1997/935) and his intention to submit a supplementary report, as well as the report submitted in accordance with paragraph 4 of resolution 1111 (1997) by the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990 (S/1997/942), Noting with concern that, despite the ongoing implementation of resolutions 986 (1995) and 1111 (1997), the population of Iraq continues to face a serious nutritional and health situation, Determined to avoid any further deterioration of the current humanitarian situation, Noting with appreciation the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the council re-examine the adequacy of the revenues provided by resolution 986 (1995) and consider how best to meet the priority humanitarian requirements of the Iraqi people, including the possibility of increasing those revenues, Noting also with appreciation the Secretary-General's intention to include in his supplementary report recommendations on ways to improve the processing and supply of humanitarian goods under resolution 986 (1995), Welcoming the efforts made by the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) to refine and clarify its working procedures and encouraging the Committee to go further in that direction in order to expedite the approval process, Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, 1. Decides that the provisions of resolution 986 (1995), except those contained in paragraphs 4, 11 and 12, shall remain in force for another period of 180 days beginning at 00.01 hours, Eastern Daylight Time, on 5 December 1997; 2. Further decides that the provisions of the distribution plan in respect of goods purchased in accordance with resolution 1111 (1997) shall continue to apply to foodstuffs, medicine and health supplies purchased in accordance with this resolution pending the Secretary-General's approval of a new distribution plan, to be submitted by the Government of Iraq before 5 January 1998; 3. Further decides to conduct a thorough review of all aspects of the implementation of this resolution 90 days after the entry into force of paragraph 1 above and again prior to the end of the 180-day period, on receipt of the reports referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 below, and expresses its intention, prior to the end of the 180-day period, to consider favorably renewal of the provisions of this resolution, provided that the reports referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 below indicate that those provisions are being satisfactorily implemented; 4. Requests the secretary-General to report to the Council 90 days after the date of entry into force of paragraph 1 above, and again prior to the end of the 180-day period, on the basis of observation by United Nations personnel in Iraq, and on the basis of consultations with the Government of Iraq, on whether Iraq has ensured the equitable distribution of medicine, health supplies, foodstuffs, and materials and supplies for essential civilian needs, financed in accordance with paragraph 8 (a) of resolution 986 (1995), including in his reports any observations he may have on the adequacy of the revenues to meet Iraq's humanitarian needs, and on Iraq's capacity to export sufficient quantities of petroleum and petroleum products to produce the sum referred to in paragraph 1 of resolution 986 (1995); 5. Requests the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990), in close coordination with the Secretary-General, to report to the Council 90 days after the date of entry into force of paragraph 1 above and again prior to the end of the 180-day period on the implementation of the arrangements in paragraphs 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of resolution 986 (1995); 6. Welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to submit a supplementary report, and expresses its willingness, in the light of his recommendations, to find ways of improving the implementation of the humanitarian program and to take such action over additional resources as needed to meet the priority humanitarian requirements of the Iraqi people, as well as to consider an extension of the time frame for the implementation of this resolution; 7. Requests the Secretary-General to submit his supplementary report to the Council no later than 30 January 1998; 8. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the security and safety of all persons appointed by the Secretary-General for the implementation of this resolution in Iraq; 9. Requests the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) to continue, in close coordination with the Secretary-General, to refine and clarify working procedures in order to expedite the approval process and to report to the Council no later than 30 January 1998; 10. Decides to remain seized of the matter. (End text)
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