UN panel awards $842 million in claims arising from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait

The United Nations panel charged with disbursing payments for damages arising from Iraq's 1990-1991 invasion and occupation of Kuwait approved today awards of over $842 million.

This figure included $243 million which the UN Compensation Commission's Governing Council awarded to five countries - Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Syria - for 69 separate claims concerning environmental monitoring and assessment.

At today's meeting, which was presided over by Ambassador Sverre Bergh Johansen of Norway, the Geneva-based panel decided to hold its next session from 25 to 27 September.

To date, the Commission, which is allocated 25 per cent of Iraq's oil revenues, has awarded over $35.4 billion to successful claimants.