Iraq: UN sanctions panel designates 6,000 humanitarian items for fast-track approval

The United Nations Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against Iraq has confirmed a list of relief items which can be approved for distribution in the country on an accelerated basis.

The Iraq sanctions panel, known as the 661 committee for the Security Council resolution which established it, approved a list of just under 6,000 humanitarian supply items on Monday.

Those goods can now be “fast-tracked” directly by the UN Office of the Iraq Programme without prior review either by the UN Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or the 661 committee. Certain contracts normally have to be reviewed by UNMOVIC and the IAEA to ensure that they contain no “dual-use” items which may have military applications.

The “fast-track” list includes all food items that are procured by the Government of Iraq for distribution in the monthly food basket, basic medicines, supplies and consumables. It also covers raw materials for the local production of medicine, furniture, paper, educational supplies, clothing, seeds, fertilizers and basic construction materials.