UN, Iraq at odds
Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/16/1998

A UN humanitarian official disclosed that Iraq and the United Nations are at odds over the distribution of revenues raised under the oil-for-food accord.

The coordinator for humanitarian aid to Baghdad, Dennis Halliday, said, "I'm concerned about some differences in views between Iraq's government and the U.N. as to the best possible use of U.N. Security Council resolution 986's limited resources."

Halliday was also concerned about the delay on the part of the Security Council in respect of the implementation of the experts "report" on repairs to Iraq's oil production facilities, UN official in Baghdad disclosed.

Iraq has yet to submit its plan for distribution of humanitarian supplies, notably imported food and medicine under the expanded oil-for-food accord.

Under the oil-for-food accord, Iraq must submit a new distribution plan for the deal approved by the council in December.

The council noted that it raised Iraqi's oil sales ceiling from $2 billion every six months to $5.2 billion. The oil profits are spent on badly needed humanitarian supplies.

The Security Council has been discussing a draft resolution, which would allow Iraq to best its oil exports by authorizing $3 billion to be spent on repairing the Iraqi oil infrastructure.

Despite the issues which remain unresolved, "It appears that the government is very close to sending its first draft to the secretary general," the UN official added.

Iraq is also seeking to increase funding for its electricity sector, while the United Nations has warned that the education sector is in dire need of extra funds.

Previous Stories:
  Iraqi foreign minister: Israeli - Turkish alliance blockades the Arabs   (5/11/1998)
  Al-Sahaf discusses Iraqi situation with King Hussein   (5/11/1998)

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