IK/2367
25 August 1994
PANEL TO EXAMINE CLAIM OF OVER $950 MILLION FOR KUWAITI
OIL-WELL FIRES FOLLOWING IRAQI INVASION
Compensation Commission To Appoint Special Panel
The secretariat of the Compensation Commission set up by Security Council
resolution 692 (1991) to review compensation claims resulting from Iraq's
invasion and occupation of Kuwait is preparing the preliminary assessment of
the first of the large claims filed with the Commission by Kuwait. The claim
was presented by the Kuwait Oil Company and seeks reimbursement for the cost
of extinguishing the hundreds of oil wells set afire at the time of the
retreat of the Iraqi forces from Kuwait. The principal amount being claimed
is in excess of $950 million.
Because of its economic, environmental and health effects, the burning of
the oil wells -- which so altered Kuwait's desert landscape and life -- took
on a symbolic character for Kuwait. Conscious of this special importance, the
Compensation Commission has decided to appoint, as soon as possible, a
separate panel of commissioners to examine the claim and make recommendations
to the Governing Council of the Commission.
After studying in detail the specifics of the case, the secretariat will
draw up a list of experts who possess the expertise and experience, including
legal qualifications, to serve on the panel. The candidates for the panel
will be proposed to the Secretary-General, who will make nominations to the
Governing Council that is to appoint the panel. The panel is to start its
work as early as possible, in view of the particular importance and symbolism
that this claim has for the people and the Government of Kuwait.
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