Implementation of Oil-for-Food:  A Chronology

14 June 2001: The Secretary-General's report (S/2001/566) to the Security Council on the 'cash component' for the Iraqi oil industry under the United Nations oil-for-food programme is issued.

1 June 2001:  Security Council adopts resolution 1352 (2001), extending the terms of resolution 1330 (2000), or phase IX, for another 30 days.

24 May 2001:  A list of 97 items is approved by the Security Council's 661 sanctions committee in the electricity sector for "fast-track" processing, in compliance with resolution 1330 (2000).

18 May 2001:  The Secretary-General's phase IX "180-day" report (S/2001/505) is issued.

8 March 2001:  The Executive Director of OIP presents phase IX "90-day" report to the Security Council.

2 March 2001:  The Secretary-General's phase IX "90-day" report (S/2001/186 & S/2001/186/Corr.1) is issued.

26 - 27 February 2001:  High-level talks are held in New York between the United Nations and an Iraqi delegation headed by the Foreign Minister of Iraq on the situation in Iraq, including the humanitarian programme.

26 February 2001:  The Security Council's 661 sanctions committee approves a list of 26 items in the housing sector for "fast track" processing by OIP.

13 February 2001:  In a letter to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General advises of his approval of phase IX distribution plan (S/2001/134), which was submitted by the Government of Iraq on 4 February 2001.  The plan foresees a humanitarian budget of over $5.55 billion for 12 sectors countrywide.

10 December 2000:  In a letter to the Secretary-General (S/2000/1175) Iraq comments on resolution 1330. 

5 December 2000: The Security Council adopts resolution 1330 extending the programme for an additional 180 days (phase IX). It directs the sanctions Committee to approve lists of supplies and equipment in the electricity and housing sectors for "fast track" approval procedures, as well as expand the existing lists in other sectors; reduces the allocation for the UN Compensation Fund from 30 to 25 per cent, transferring the additional funds to the "53 per cent" account for humanitarian supplies in the centre/south of Iraq to address the needs of the most vulnerable groups and; requests the Secretary-General to make arrangements to allow funds up to 600 million euros to be used for the cost of installation and maintenance for the oil industry. 

4 December 2000: OIP Executive Director, Benon V. Sevan, presents the 180-day report (S/2000/1132) to the Security Council.

1 - 12 December 2000:   Iraq suspends its oil exports under the United Nations oil-for-food programme over oil pricing disagreement with the UN.

29 November 2000: The Secretary-General issues the 180-day report (S/2000/1132) for phase VIII.

31 October 2000:  The Security Council's 661 Committee authorises the UN Treasury to open an UN Iraq account in euro. It also requests an in-depth report within three months on the costs and benefits for the Programme and other financial and administrative implications of the payment for Iraqi oil in euro. 

19 October 2000:  On a visit to New York, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Tun Myat, speaks on programme implementation at a press conference.

3 October 2000:  In a letter (S/2000/950) to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General expresses serious concern on the total value of holds on applications for humanitarian supplies.

21 September 2000:  OIP Executive Director, Benon V. Sevan, presents the 90-day report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council.

1 September 2000:  The Security Council approves a massive expansion of the health sector list for "fast track" procedures.

11 August 2000:  The Security Council Committee (661) approves the list of water and sanitation supplies eligible for approval by notification under the accelerated or "fast track" procedures.

10 August 2000:  The Secretary-General appoints two additional oil overseers.

1 - 16 August 2000:  Benon V. Sevan, the Executive Director of OIP undertakes a 2-week mission to Iraq.  Issues a statement on the status of the programme.

25 July 2000:  The Secretary-General approves the distribution plan for phase VIII of the oil- for-food programme (S/2000/733). The plan, submitted by the Government of Iraq, proposes spending $7.1 billion on food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies - including $600 million on oil industry spare parts and equipment. 

24 July 2000:  The Executive Director of OIP informs the Security Council Committee that the new UN observation mechanism, as outlined at the 199th formal meeting of the Committee on 25 April, has been implemented in Iraq as of 20 July 2000.

17 July 2000:  The Security Council Committee (661) approves the list of oil spare parts and equipment eligible for approval by notification under the accelerated procedures.

10 July 2000:  The Security Council concurs with the recommendation of the Secretary-General contained in his report of 1 June 2000 (S/2000/520) concerning the use of surplus funds available from previous phases to fund humanitarian supplies to Iraq under subsequent phases.

28 June 2000:  A gunman attacks the Baghdad office of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Two FAO staff are killed and six injured, including four Iraqi government guards, in an exchange of gunfire.

12 June 2000:  The Secretary-General approves the proposal of the Government of Iraq to include a new housing sector in the distribution plans for phases VI and VII.

8 June 2000:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1302 which extends the programme for another 180 days as of 9 June 2000. It invites the Secretary-General to appoint independent experts to prepare a comprehensive report and analysis of the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Other measures include: application of accelerated procedures for the approval of water and sanitation equipment; allocation of $600 million for oil spare parts under phase VIII; and requests the Secretary-General to appoint additional oil overseers.

6 June 2000:  Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of OIP presents the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council at its informal consultations.

1 June 2000:  The Secretary-General issues the 180-day report (S/2000/520) on phase VII.

29 April 2000:  Tun Myat arrives in Iraq and assumes the responsibilities of his post as UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq.

25 April 2000:  Briefing by Benon V. Sevan, OIP Executive Director, to the Security Council 661 Committee on the United Nations observation mechanism in Iraq.

20 April 2000:  At a formal meeting of the 661 Committee on the issue of “holds” Benon V. Sevan points out that the effectiveness of the programme has suffered considerably, not only because of funding shortfalls in earlier phases, but also because of the very large number of applications on hold. He reiterates the Secretary-General’s appeal for a further review and reconsideration of applications on hold which have a direct negative impact on the implementation of the programme.

31 March 2000:  Security Council adopts resolution 1293 based on the recommendation of the Secretary-General’s report of 10 March 2000 (S/2000/208), raising the funding level for oil spare parts and equipment from $300 million to $600 million per phase.

29 March 2000:  The Secretary-General appoints Tun Myat of Myanmar as United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq.

29 March 2000:  The Security Council Committee approves two more lists of commodities - in health and agriculture sectors - for "fast track" contract processing.

24 March 2000:  The Secretary-General's statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Iraq.

20 March 2000:  Report of the group of UN oil experts on the status of Iraq's oil industry.

10 March 2000:  The Secretary-General's report (S/2000/208) is issued and it comprises three parts: 1) a review of programme progress in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people and on the revenues necessary to meet those needs; 2) the results of a comprehensive survey by a group of experts on Iraq’s existing oil production and export capacity and; 3) the 90-day report of phase VII.

1 March 2000:  In line with para. 17 of resolution 1284 (1999), the UN begins implementation of accelerated or "fast track" procedures for the approval by notification of contracts for humanitarian supplies as per lists approved by the 661 Committee. 

12 February 2000:  The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Hans von Sponeck, announces he will leave his post, effective 31 March 2000.

7 February 2000:  Briefing by Benon V. Sevan, OIP Executive Director, to the Security Council on recent developments in the Programme.

14 January 2000:  The Secretary-General forwards to the Security Council  the report of the oil industry expert on Iraq's oil industry needs. (S/2000/26)

14 January 2000:  The Secretary-General submits to the Security Council a  report on the status of implementation of certain provisions of resolution 1284 (1999). (S/2000/22)

12 January 2000:  The Secretary-General approves distribution plan for phase VII (S/2000/18). The plan was submitted by the Government of Iraq and proposes spending just over three and half billion dollars on food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies - including $600 million on oil industry spare parts and equipment.  

17 December 1999:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1284.  It establishes, as a subsidiary body of the Council, the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) which replaces the Special Commission.

10 December 1999:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1281, extending the Programme for another 180 days as of 12 December 1999 (phase VII). 

3 December 1999:  Resolution 1280 extends phase VI for one week, until 11 December 1999. 

19 November 1999:  Resolution 1275 extends phase VI for two weeks, until 4 December 1999. 

12 November 1999: Benon V. Sevan, OIP Executive Director, presents the Secretary-General's 180 Day report on implementation of SCR 1242 (1999). He says that a new review will be undertaken with a view to proposing to the Council various measures to enhance further the effectiveness of this programme. 

22 October 1999:  The Secretary-General in a letter to the Security Council expresses concern over the growing number of holds placed on applications and the resultant serious implications for the implementation of the humanitarian programme. 

12 October 1999:  Secretary-General recommends that the Security Council approve the request to increase by $300 million the allocation for oil spare parts and equipment, bringing the total allocation to $600 million, during phase VI.

4 October 1999:  Resolution 1266 (1999) adopted by the Security Council permits Iraq to export an additional amount of $3.04 billion of oil in phase VI to make up for the "humanitarian deficit" in revenue in phases IV and V.  

2 July 1999:  The Secretary-General submits to the Security Council a detailed list of spare parts and equipment requirements in the oil industry sector. 

16 June to 6 July 1999:  During a visit to Iraq, OIP Executive Director holds series of working meetings with the Vice President of Iraq as well as all the relevant Ministers involved in the implementation of the Programme. 

11 June 1999:  The Secretary-General approves distribution plan for phase VI (S/1999/671). The plan, submitted by the Government of Iraq, proposes spending just over three billion dollars on food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies - including $300 million on oil industry spare parts and equipment.  

10 June 1999:  United Nations rejects allegations of "sabotage". 

21 May 1999: The Security Council adopts resolution 1242, extending the Programme for another 180 days as of 25 May 1999 (phase VI). 

21 May 1999:  OIP Executive Director presents the Secretary-General's 180-day report on phase V to the Security Council.  He emphasizes that the Programme cannot - and was never meant to - meet all the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people, nor can it restore Iraq's economic and social infrastructure to pre-1990 levels. 

13 May 1999:  The Secretary-General approves the inclusion of a new sector in the distribution plan - telecommunications. 

28 April 1999:  The review and assessment report on the implementation of the Programme covering the period December 1996 - November 1998 is submitted to the Security Council. 

15 April 1999:  The Secretary-General transmits to the Security Council the report of the oil industry experts on the state of Iraq's oil industry and its capacity to increase production and exports of oil.  

7 April 1999:  Ambassador Celso Amorim (Brazil) presents the reports of the three panels established by the Security Council on Iraq in January 1999, including the report of the humanitarian panel.

19 March 1999:  OIP Executive Director Benon V. Sevan in a letter to the Security Council's 661 Committee details the consequences of revenue shortfalls for the oil for food programme. 

25 February 1999: OIP Executive Director presents the Secretary-General's 90-day report on the implementation of phase V to the Security Council and emphasises the consequences of the shortfall in oil revenues.  He calls for "bold, imaginative and pragmatic" approaches to investment in Iraq's oil industry to increase revenues.

30 January 1999:  Following a proposal by Canada, the Security Council establishes three separate panels on disarmament, humanitarian situation and prisoners of war and Kuwaiti missing persons and archives. The Panels are chaired by Ambassador Celso Amorim (Brazil).

4 January 1999:  OIP is advised by the Government of Iraq that it is unable to ensure the security of United States and United Kingdom nationals serving with the Organization in Iraq.  On 3 February, the United Nations withdraws all US and UK nationals working in Iraq.

29 December 1998:  The Secretary-General informs the Security Council on the state of Iraq's oil industry and transmits the report of a group of oil experts sent to Iraq earlier in the month.

20 December 1998:  Military operations cease. United Nations staff begin to return to Baghdad on 22 December.

16 December 1998:  Military action by the the United States and United Kingdom begins against Iraq. United Nations staff are not evacuated at first and remain restricted to the UN office through two nights of bombing. On 18 December, the United Nations temporarily relocates most staff to Amman, Jordan.

11 December 1998:  The Secretary-General approves distribution plan for phase V (S/1998/1158), submitted by the Government of Iraq, based on a net humanitarian allocation of $2.746 billion.

24 November 1998:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1210 extending the Programme for another 180 days (phase V) as of 26 November.

19 November 1998:  The Secretary-General's 180-day report on phase IV is issued.

14 November 1998:  UN personnel, temporarily redeployed to Amman, return to Baghdad.

11 November  1998:   Following the withdrawal of UNSCOM and mounting security concerns, UN Security Coordinator decides to redeploy temporarily UN personnel based in Baghdad to Amman, Jordan.

October 1998: OIP Executive Director meets with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Sayaf in New York and discusses the need to prioritize funding of contracts given the expected shortfall in oil revenues. Mr Sevan writes to the Chairman of the 661 Committee and later briefs the Committee on issues related to prioritizing and repeats his concerns on the slow approvals for oil spare parts and equipment.

28 September 1998:   Secretary-General Kofi Annan appoints Hans von Sponeck, a German national, to the post of United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq.

4 September 1998:  The Secretary-General’s 90-day report is presented to the Security Council. The report estimates a total oil revenue of $2.86 billion. This is later revised to $3.3 billion, providing a humanitarian allocation of $2.1 billion – one billion less than what was needed to fund the enhanced distribution plan.

19 June 1998:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1175 authorizing Iraq to import up to $300 million worth of oil industry spare parts and equipment in order increase production of oil for export.

21 June - 5 July 1998:  OIP Executive Director Benon V. Sevan visits Iraq. He holds meetings with Iraqi government officials and heads of United Nations agencies on ways to improve the implementation performance of the Programme.

29 May 1998:  The Secretary-General approves the enhanced distribution plan (S/1998/446), based on a net humanitarian allocation of $3.1 billion (from a projected $4.8 billion in gross oil sales), more than doubling the Programme.

15 April 1998:  The Secretary-General transmits the report of the group of oil industry experts who note the lamentable state of Iraq's oil industry and recommend the provision of equipment and spare parts to increase Iraq's ability to export oil.

26 February 1998:  Most UN personnel relocated to Amman and Erbil return to Baghdad.

20-23 February 1998:  Secretary-General Kofi Annan travels to Baghdad to defuse the growing political crisis with the Government of Iraq on the issue of UN weapons inspections.

20 February 1998:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1153 authorising the increase in the Programme and requests that the Secretary-General appoint a group of oil experts to look into Iraq’s oil producing capacity and the need for spare parts and equipment.

19 February 1998:  Security concerns lead to a relocation of staff and partial suspension of activities in central/southern Iraq.

1 February 1998:  The Secretary-General's Supplementary Report (S/1998/90) offers proposals to improve the process of contract approval and delivery.  The report proposes to raise the ceiling of oil sales every six months (per phase) from $2 billion to $5.2 billion gross ($3.4 billion net for the humanitarian allocation).

5 January 1998:  The Secretary-General approves distribution plan for phase III.

5 December 1997:  Phase III officially begins. The Iraqi Government announces that pumping of oil under phase III will not flow into the pipeline until the distribution plan is approved by the Secretary-General

4 December 1997:  The Security Council adopts resolution 1143, extending the Programme for another six months. It also requests the Secretary-General to submit a supplementary report, reviewing humanitarian needs, and expresses its willingness to authorize "additional resources".

13 October 1997:  The Secretary-General establishes the Office of the Iraq Programme (OIP), effective 15 October 1997, to consolidate and manage the activities of the Secretariat in implementing the oil-for-food programme. Benon V. Sevan (Cyprus) is appointed as Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme.

3 September 1997:  Denis Halliday (Irland) takes over from Steffan de Mistura as the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, succeeding .

14 August 1997:  Iraqi oil flow under phase II begins. The two-month delay in the pumping of oil creates a potential shortfall in revenues, estimated at $500 million. On 12 September, the Security Council adopts resolution 1129. It grants Iraq an additional period of 30 days to sell oil to reach the target of $1 billion for the first half of phase II.

4 August 1997:  The Secretary-General approves the distribution plan for phase II.

8 June 1997:  Phase II officially begins. However, the Iraqi Government announces that oil will not be pumped under this phase until a new distribution plan is approved by the Secretary-General.

4 June 1997:   The Security Council adopts resolution 1111, extending the Programme for another six months beginning on 8 June.

20 March 1997:  The first shipment of supplies under phase I is cleared at the Habur/Zakho crossing point. In April, the distribution of wheat flour begins throughout the country.

20 February 1997: Steffan de Mistura (Sweden) assumes his functions as the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, replacing Gulttiero Fulcheri.

10 December 1996:  Following the Secretary-General's report to the Council that all measures are in place for the implementation of resolution 986 (1995), phase I officially begins with the pumping of Iraqi oil for export. The first proceeds from the sale of oil are deposited in the United Nations Iraq Account (Escrow Account), at the Banque Nationale de Paris in New York on 15 January 1997 .

25 November 1996:  The interim report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995) is issued S/1996/978.

20 August 1996:  Gultiero Fulcheri (Italy) is appointed the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq. He succeeds Mohammed Zejjari (Algeria). 

20 May 1996:  Following extensive negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the Government of Iraq and the United Nations Secretariat regarding the implementation of resolution 986. 

14 April 1995:  Resolution 986 is adopted by the Security Council. Iraq subsequently refuses to accept its terms.

15 August 1991:  The Security Council adopts resolution 706 offering an opportunity for Iraqi oil to be sold and the revenue used to purchase essential humanitarian supplies. This resolution is not accepted by the Government of Iraq.

May 1991:  The UN Inter-Agency Humanitarian Programme is established to meet immediate needs of vulnerable Iraqis. Funding totals $964 million from 1991 to 1996 .

3 April 1991: The Security Council, in resolution 687, sets terms for a cease-fire – disarmament and removal of Iraq’s capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction.

20 March 1991:  A report (S/22366) by Under Secretary-General Martti Ahtisaari warns of imminent catastrophe if massive life-supporting needs are not met.

6 August 1990:  Resolution 661 is adopted by the Security Council which imposes sanctions on both Iraq and occupied Kuwait; and establishes the 661 Committee to implement the Resolution.

 2 August 1990:  Iraqi forces invade Kuwait. On the same day, the Security Council adopts Resolution 660 and condemns the invasion.

For more information please contact Hasmik Egian on 1.212.963.4341

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