Security Council to Vote on Iraq's Oil-for-food Program within 24 Hours

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, March 28, 2003

Security Council to Vote on Iraq's Oil-for-food Program within 24 Hours

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Members of the United Nations Security Council agreed Thursday on a draft resolution to adjust the oil-for-food program for Iraq, with a vote to be expected within 24 hours, Council President Gunter Pleuger said.

"It seems we have found agreement on the resolution ... so thatwe will be able to vote tomorrow," Pleuger told reporters minutes before British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived at UN headquarters for talks with Secretary General Kofi Annan on the humanitarian crisis in Iraq.

The President said he expected all 15 council members to support the draft and that it would be "adopted by consensus".

The resolution "provides for the necessary changes and adjustments in the oil-for-food program to enable the Secretariat and the Secretary General to keep this program going as soon as the situation on the ground allows it," he said.

Critics of the military action, notably Russia, had opposed using the humanitarian program as a channel for emergency war relief, saying it might legitimize the war.

The program was suspended when Annan ordered all UN staff to evacuate from Iraq one day before the outbreak of the war, which began last week.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Iraq Expects Encirclement of Baghdad, Vows to Defend

China Strongly Calls for End to US-led War Against Iraq

Bush, Blair Fail to Settle Differences on UN Role in Iraq

>> Full Coverage

The US Must Not Put Pressure On the UN ( 3 Messages)

Saddam Vows to Globalize War if Attacked ( 5 Messages)

China's Z11 Helicopters Get Green Light for Civilian Use ( 5 Messages)

New Premier Comes from Grass Roots ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes War can be Avoided: FM ( 3 Messages)