Implementation of Oil-for-Food: A Chronology

21 November 2003: Effective termination and handover of the Oil-for-Food Programme to the Coalition Provisional Authority.

20 November 2003: Statement by the President of the Security Council on the situation between Iraq and Kuwait: Termination of the Oil-for- Food Programme

19 November 2003: Statement by Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of the Iraq Programme, to the Security Council, on progress in the phasing down and termination of the Oil-for-Food Programme.

28 October 2003: Statement to the Security Council by Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of the Iraq Programme, updating Members on the Phasing down and termination of the Programme pursuant to Security Council resolution 1483 (2003)

29 September 2003: Security Council briefing by Mr. Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director, Office of the Iraq Programme, on phasing down and termination of the Programme, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1483 (2003).

26 June 2003: Mr. Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director, Office of the Iraq Programme briefed the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1483 .

8 May 2003: Report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/576) pursuant to resolutions 1447 (2002), 1472 (2003) and 1476 (2003) (180 day report of phase X111).

22 May 2003: The Security Council adopted resolution 1483 (2003) lifting civilian sanctions and providing for termination of the Oil-for-Food Programme within six months and transferring responsibility for the administration of any remaining activity to the Authority representing the occupying powers.

24 April 2003: Provisions for the Secretary-General to accelerate the delivery of priority items in the Oil-for-Food pipeline to Iraq were extended to 3 June. The extension under resolution 1476,(2003) adopted by the Security Council gave gives the Office of the Iraq Programme and UN agencies, valuable time to identify and ship additional goods and supplies.

22 April 2003: Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, briefed members of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1472 (2003).

8 April 2003: Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, briefed members of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1472 (2003) since its adoption on 28 March, 2003.

28 March 2003: A resolution was adopted unanimously by the Security Council to adjust the Oil-for-Food Programme and give the Secretary-General authority to facilitate the delivery and receipt of goods contracted by the Government of Iraq for the humanitarian needs of its people.

20 March 2003: The Secretary General pledges to do his utmost to ensure that the UN rises to the challenge of shielding the civilian population "from the grim consequences of war."

"Today, despite the best efforts of the international community and the United Nations, war has come to Iraq for the third time in a quarter of a century," he said.

"Perhaps if we had persevered a little longer, Iraq could yet have been disarmed peacefully or – if not – the world could have taken action to solve this problem by a collective decision, endowing it with greater legitimacy, and therefore commanding wider support, than is now the case.

But let us not dwell on the divisions of the past. Let us confront the realities of the present, however harsh, and look for ways to forge stronger unity in the future."

19 March 2003: War in Iraq begins with the bombing of Baghdad.

18 March 2003: The President of the Security Council asks the Secretary General to submit proposals to adjust the mandate of the Oil-for-Food Programme so that it will have the necessary flexibility to meet new humanitarian challenges presented by the prospect of war in Iraq.

17 March 2003: On 17 March 2003, the United Nations Secretary-General announced that in view of warnings received from the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, regarding the continued safety and security of UN personnel present in the territory of Iraq, he had decided that he was no longer in a position to guarantee the safety and security of these personnel. As a result, he was obliged to withdraw temporarily all remaining humanitarian personnel from Iraq.

The Secretary-General noted that he was aware that these measures would lead to the suspension of the activities of the humanitarian programme in Iraq pursuant to resolution 986 (1995). However, the threat to the safety and security of the personnel concerned had in effect rendered their mandates inoperable.

The Secretary-General stated, for the record, that he regards those activities as suspended de facto. The mandates established by the relevant Security Council resolutions under which these activities are carried out remain in force until such time as the Security Council should decide otherwise.

All remaining UN international staff in Iraq were evacuated on 18 March 2003.

21 February 2003: Under a cover letter addressed to the Chairman of the Security Council's 661 Committee, the OIP Executive Director transmitted a Note by the Office of the Iraq Programme on consumption rates and use levels for a number of items on the Goods Review List. The action was required by paragraph 3 of Security Council resolution 1454 (2002). OIP would start implementing the consumptions rates indicated in the Note on 1 March 2003.

3 January 2003: In a letter to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General advises of his approval of phase XIII distribution plan (S/2003/6), submitted by the Government of Iraq on 31 December 2002. The plan foresees a humanitarian budget of $4.93 billion for 25 sectors countrywide.

30 December 2002: On Monday 30 December, the Security Council approved changes to the list of goods subject to review and approval by the 661 Committee under the United Nations oil-for-food programme, as well as new procedures for implementation of the list. The changes to the goods review list (GRL), which went into effect under resolution 1454, also require a thorough review of the List and its procedures, both 90 days after the commencement of phase Xlll of the programme (5 December 2002) and prior to the end of its defined 180-day period (3 June 2003).

11 December 2002: The United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Iraq agreed on 11 December to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 20 May 1996 for the oil-for-food programme for an additional 180 days through 3 June 2003 (phase Xlll). The MOU established the terms of implementation of the oil-for-food programme under resolution 986 (14 April 1995).

4 December 2002: The Security Council adopts resolution 1447, extending the programme for an additional 180 days (phase XIII). Phase XIII is to be in effect from 5 December 2002 to 3 June 2003.

25 November 2002: The Security Council adopts resolution 1443 (2002), which extends phase XII for another 9 days until 4 December 2002.

19 November 2002: OIP Executive Director introduces the Secretary-General's report (S/2002/1239) to the Security Council.

12 November 2002: The Secretary-General's report under paragraphs 7 & 8 of resolution 1409 (2002) is issued (S/2002/1239). It focuses on three main areas: (1) achievements made through the programme in improving the humanitarian situation in Iraq, as well as referring to some of the shortcomings and difficulties faced; (2) the persisting revenue shortfall in the programme; and (3) an assessment of the implementation of the new set of procedures for the processing and review of contracts for humanitarian supplies, introduced under resolution 1409 (2002) in May 2002, based on the Goods Review List (GRL). It is the first such assessment since the adoption of that resolution. Concurrently, OIP releases its latest Note on the implementation of the humanitarian programme under resolution 986 (1995) - prepared in lieu of the 180-day report on phase XII.

1 November 2002: A UN team of five independent inspection agents arrive at Ar'ar crossing point at the border of Iraq with Saudi Arabia, to finalise preparations for the establishment of a UN inspection site at this border crossing point. The inspection site at Ar'ar, which would become fully operational on 8 November 2002, would be the fifth authorized border crossing for the import of goods under the oil-for-food programme. United Nations independent inspection agents at authorized points of entry confirm and authenticate the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Iraq under the oil-for-food programme only. The other four authorized entry points are: Trebil, at the border of Iraq and Jordan; Al-Walid, at the border of Iraq and Syria; Zakho, on the border of Iraq with Turkey; and Port of Umm Qasr in the Gulf.

28 October 2002: The Security Council's 661 sanctions committee approves a list of about 6,000 items to be "fast tracked" by OIP, in compliance with paragraph 4 of the revised procedures under resolution 1409 (2002).

25 September 2002: The Executive Director of the Iraq Programme briefs the Security Council on the status of the programme.

19 July 2002: Ramiro Armando de Oliveira Lopes da Silva arrives in Iraq and assumes the responsibilities of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq.

15 July 2002: OIP, UNMOVIC and IAEA begin the full implementation of the new set of procedures under resolution 1409 (2002) for the processing and review of contracts for humanitarian supplies.

17 June 2002: In letters addressed to the Chairman of the 661 Committee and the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations, the Executive Director of OIP informed them that following the consent of the Government of Iraq, OIP would proceed with the necessary arrangements to deploy United Nations independent inspection agents at Ar'ar border crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia for the purpose of confirming and authenticating the delivery of supplies to Iraq under the "oil-for-food" programme. The action was based on a request from Saudi Arabia for the opening of the border crossing point at Ar'ar dating back to October 2000. The Government of Iraq had indicated its agreement to the United Nations earlier in June 2002.

13 June 2002: In a letter to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General advises of his approval of phase XII distribution plan (S/2002/666), submitted by the Government of Iraq on 10 June 2002. The plan foresees a humanitarian budget of over $5.08 billion for 25 sectors countrywide.

31 May 2002: Secretary-General appoints Ramiro Armando de Oliveira Lopes da Silva of Portugal as new UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq. Mr. da Silva would succeed Tun Myat in the post. Mr. Myat was appointed as Humanitarian Coodinator in March 2000.

29 May 2002: The Executive Director of the Iraq Programme briefs the Security Council on the status of the programme at the end of phase XI.

28 May 2002: Through letters exchanged between the Secretariat of the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the United Nations, the memorandum of understanding of 20 May 1996 concerning the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995), was extended for a new period of 180 days, effective 30 May 2002 (phase XII), in the light of Security Council resolution 1409 (2002) (S/2002/608).

14 May 2002: The Security Council adopts resolution 1409 (2002), introducing the Goods Review List (GRL) and a new set of procedures for the processing and approval of contracts for humanitarian supplies and equipment. The resolution marks the second most significant change in the programme after resolution 1284 (1999). It also extends the programme for another 180 days (phase XII), effective 30 May 2002. The phase ends on 25 November 2002.

8 April 2002: The Government of Iraq announces a 30-day suspension of its oil exports under the programme, in support of Palestinians. Exports resume on 9 May.

26 February 2002: The Executive Director of the Iraq Programme briefs the Security Council on his visit to Iraq.

14 January - 10 February 2002: The Executive Director of the Iraq Programme, Benon V. Sevan, undertakes a three-week working visit to Iraq, including a week-long visit to the three northern governorates. He meets with the Vice-President of the Republic of Iraq, Taha Yasin Ramadan, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Oil, Trade, Health, Interior, Higher Education, Agriculture and the Commissioner of Electricity, as well as the local authorities in the three northern governorates and representatives of the United Nations agencies and programmes to review the implementation of the humanitarian in Iraq pursuant to Security Council resolution 986 (1995), with a view to improving further the effective implementation of the programme.

3 January 2002: In a letter to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General advises of his approval of phase XI distribution plan (S/2002/19), submitted by the Government of Iraq on 23 December 2001. The plan foresees a humanitarian budget of over $4.43 billion for 13 sectors countrywide.

6 December 2001: Through an exchange of letters between the Secretariat of the United Nations and the Government of Iraq, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 20 May 1996 on the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995) is extended for the duration of phase XI (S/2001/1172).

29 November 2001: The Security Council adopts resolution 1382, extending the programme for an additional 180 days (phase XI). Phase XI is to be in effect from 1 December 2001 to 29 May 2002. Para. 2 of the resolution states the Council's decision to adopt the Goods Review List and relevant procedures, subject to any refinements to them agreed by the Council, for implementation beginning on 30 May 2002. Para. 6 of the resolution reaffirms the Council's commitment to a comprehensive settlement on the issue of Iraq on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions.

19 November 2001: The Secretary-General's 150-day report on phase X is issued (S/2001/1089).

28 September 2001: The Secretary-General's 90-day report on phase X is issued (S/2001/919).

2 September 2001: The Government of Iraq declares four current and one former UNOHCI staff persona non grata.

1 August 2001: In a letter to the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General advises of his approval of phase X distribution plan (S/2001/758), submitted by the Government of Iraq on 23 July 2001. The plan foresees a humanitarian budget of $5.5 billion for 12 sectors countrywide.

12 July 2001: The Executive Director of OIP briefs the Security Council's 661 sanctions committee on the implementation of the oil-for-food programme, responding, by-and-large, to allegations made against the Programme by Iraq at the Security Council's "open meeting" of 28 June.

9 July 2001: Through an exchange of letters between the Secretariat of the United Nations and the Government of Iraq, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 20 May 1996 on the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995) is extended for the duration of phase X (S/2001/682).

3 July 2001: The Security Council adopts resolution 1360 extending the programme for an additional 150 days (phase X).

26 & 28 June 2001: The Security Council holds an "open meeting" on Iraq at the request of the Russian Federation. The Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Mr. Riyadh Al-Qaysi, as well as 38 member-states, including the 15 members of the Security Council, and and the Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States (LAS) address the Council.

6 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.

4 June - 10 July 2001: Iraq suspends its oil exports under the programme over its rejection of resolution 1352 (2001).

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 Government of Iraq comments on the 180-day report of the Secretary-General on phase VII (S/2000/520) (S/2000/668).

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.

21 June 2000: Through an exchange of letters between the Secretariat of the United Nations and the Government of Iraq, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 20 May 1996 on the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995) is extended for the duration of phase VIII (S/2000/618).

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.

17 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.

26 August 1999: OIP Executive Director introduces the 90-day report on phase VI of the Secretary-General to the Security Council.

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.

22 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.

18 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.

3 March 1999: Briefing to the Security Council by Mr Benon V. Sevan, Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq 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 adoptsresolution 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 (S/1998/4).

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.

8 September 1997: The Secretary-General's 90-day report on phase II is issued (S/1997/685).

3 September 1997: Denis Halliday (Ireland) 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 adoptsresolution 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 (S/1997/606).

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.

2 June 1997: The Secretary-General's 180-day report on phase I is issued (S/1997/419).

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.

10 March 1997: The Secretary-General's 90-day report on phase I is issued (S/1997/206).

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.