Iraq: Annan approves distribution plan for current phase of oil-for-food programme

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has approved the distribution plan for the current phase of the United Nations' "oil-for-food" programme, which allows the Government of Iraq to use a portion of its petroleum sales to purchase humanitarian supplies.

In a letter to the Security Council, Mr. Annan said he approved of the plan that had been submitted by the Government of Iraq on 23 July. That plan was based on a foreseen budget of $5.5 billion for the humanitarian programme, spread over 12 sectors countrywide, including an allocation of $600 million for oil industry spare parts and equipment and $384 million to meet the needs of especially vulnerable groups.

In the budget, over $1.27 billion is earmarked for the food sector to cover a daily ration of 2,472 kilocalories per person per day, while $250 million is set aside for the purchase of medicines and medical supplies.

The current phase of the oil-for-food scheme is in effect from 4 July to 30 November. The effort is overseen by the UN Office of the Iraq Programme.