UN panel releases more money for claims from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait

The United Nations panel processing claims for losses and damage suffered as a result of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990-1991 today made available over $184 million for payment to more than 1,600 claimants.

Over 2.6 millions claims with a total asserted value of $350 billion have been filed with the UN Compensation Commission (UNCC), which has so far approved some $48 billion and released nearly $18.2 billion.

Today's payment of $184,568,674.54, made available to 24 governments for distribution to 1,681 successful claimants, follows the temporary mechanism set up by the commission's Governing Council last year allowing for the release of up to $200 million every quarter.

The Commission has the same membership as the UN Security Council.