United Nations: The United Nations wants to resume its humanitarian aid to Iraq as
soon as possible and is ready to work with whichever authority is in charge at the
end of hostilities, Secretary General Kofi Annan has said.
The UN Security Council is "determined to do whatever we can to keep that pipeline
open", he said.
"Without detracting from these responsibilities, the UN will do whatever it can to
help the Iraqi population. And we would resume the oil-for-food as soon as possible.
In these conflict situations, it is urgent that humanitarian agencies and actors are
given the space to act. And we will act using that space," Annan said.
Security Council experts, who met on March 24 over the issue, hoped a resolution to
resume the programme would be adopted later this week.
US President George W Bush's National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice is to meet
Annan later on March 25 to discuss the Iraqi humanitarian issues.
But even as the Middle East experts of the 15 members of the Council worked on March
24 to give shape to a resolution to Annan's proposal to modify 'oil-for-food'
programme in order to give UN wide powers, diplomats said difficulties could arise.
France opposes any reference to United Nations co-ordinating its humanitarian
activities with the occupying power, which it feels could be seen as recognition of
the military action by US and Britain, which Paris calls illegal.
Russia is unhappy with the proposal to give Annan blanket power to change the
contract or prioritise the delivery of supplies under the programme.
Council diplomats said the aim is to adopt the resolution later this week, so that
humanitarian aid could be resumed earliest and expressed confidence that major
powers would sort their differences as no one would like to be seen as blocking
aid.
Under the 'oil-for-food' programme, Iraq can export as much oil as it wants, but
the proceeds of sales are deposited in the escrow account run by the United
Nations. Out of this fund, the cost of import of humanitarian supplies, including
food and medicines, is paid.
The contract for sale of oil and purchase of supplies are signed by Iraq, but they
need the approval the Security Council's sanctions committee.
The programme, which began 1996 and was feeding 60 per cent of Iraq's 22
million people, was suspended ahead of the military action by the United States
and Britain.
Annan's proposal has come under severe criticism by Iraq, whose Vice
President Taha Yasin Ramadan saw in an attempt to give control of the
programme to the United States and Britain and accused the Secretary General
of working under orders of the Washington and London.
Annan strongly denied the charge and said he, along with the Council, is
determined to do whatever can be done to keep the pipeline open, as 60 per
cent Iraqis are dependent on it.
Iraq apparently takes objection to Annan's suggestion that he work with the United
States and Britain if they are controlling the area and also is angry at Annan taking
complete control of the programme.
PTI
