Diplomats begin negotiating new Security Council resolution on UN relief aid to Iraq

In a bid to prepare for a new humanitarian relief effort in Iraq, diplomats today began negotiating a Security Council measure which would adapt the work of the United Nations in the country to meet emerging needs.

"A group of experts is meeting under the auspices of Germany as Chairman of the Security Council Sanctions Committee to prepare a draft resolution whereby the Security Council would allow the adjustment of the Oil-For Food Programme in order to continue providing the emergency humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people during and after the war, as suggested by Secretary-General Kofi Annan," UN spokesman Nejib Friji told the press in Amman.

The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet top UN relief officials Wednesday in New York to discuss the coordination of all aid to the Iraqi people during and after the war.