E-Paper
UN wants to resume aid to Iraq as soon as possible: Annan
UN is ready to work with whichever authority is in charge at the end of war, its chief Kofi Annan said.
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 Monday 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 Condolezza Rice is to meet Annan later on Tuesday to discuss the Iraqi humanitarian issues.
But even as the West Asia experts of the 15 members of the Council worked on Monday 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 coordinating 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 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.
