Oil sales are not enough for buying the food for the Iraqis
Iraq, Economics, 11/24/2001

The US has stated the recession in oil prices and the decrease in exports violate the UN food for oil program which permits Iraq to sell its oil for financing buying food, medicines and other commodities in order to alleviate the impact of sanctions imposed on it since 1990.

The UN humanitarian program has expected to get USD 5.5 billion out of the oil sales during the past five months but it could only achieve USD 3.77 billion.

This is according to a report submitted by the UN secretary General Kofi Annan to the UN Security council.

Annan explained that the shortage which is estimated at USD 1.73 billion is considered a source of great concern. The program, however, could only distribute 2129 nutritional calories and 50.5 grams of protein per individual every day. The UN recommends to distribute at least 3642 calories and 36.6 grams of protein per person every day.

Iraq says that the sanctions have tightened its economy, undermined the health care system and this resulted in increasing the sufferings of the Iraqis, especially children among them.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq: Annan concerned over shortfall of oil revenues to fund relief effort   (11/22/2001)
  Iraqi oil exports surge under UN 'oil-for-food' program   (11/21/2001)
  Syrian traders violate export conditions for Iraq   (11/12/2001)

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