Reports

Back to Archive

Back to Reports

Report of the UN Secretary General on Iraq, September 8, 2000
(September 14, 2000)

Report of the UN Secretary General on Iraq, September 8, 2000

The UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, submitted his quarterly report on the oil-for-food program to the Security Council on September 8, 2000. The Report addressed the implementation of the program in phase VII, and commented on the proposed distribution plan for phase VIII, which began in June and continues for 180 days.

The UNSG reported that the allocation for food in phase VIII has been increased to allow the monthly food basket to provide 2,472 calories per day, a level long recommended by the UN. The allocation for the medical sector has been increased to $498 million, a 63.3% increase over phase VII. Of this 50% is for medicine and 50% is for medical equipment and infrastructure. The UNSG commented that although fresh food is more available on the market, few people could afford it, as "the monthly food ration represents the largest proportion of their household income".

In phase VII, UN approval of contracts was speeded up in line with resolution 1284. The UN approved contracts to purchase equipment for water, sanitation, and the oil sector. However, contracts in the oil sector are still on hold with the Sanctions Committee.

In other areas, Mr. Annan reported that the UN Security Council has approved the purchase of locally produced goods in Iraq, but that the government of Iraq has refused to cooperate on the new measures. Additionally, the Secretary General noted that his office was putting together a team to conduct a humanitarian needs assessment in Iraq, but the Iraqi government has indicated that it would not cooperate on this matter.