No progress in search for missing Kuwaiti national archives – Annan report

It is regrettable that, more than two years after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, the Kuwaiti national archives have not been found and returned to that country, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in the latest report on property seized by Iraq during its occupation of its neighbour 14 years ago.

"The search activities must be intensified," Mr. Annan says in his report to the Security Council, which notes the steps taken by the new Iraqi Government, and calls the assistance of the multinational force "indispensable" in the effort.

Kuwait, he says, considers the return of the archives essential since they are the official records of the country. Of particular importance are documents belonging to the offices of the Amiri Diwan (Royal Court), the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The report also notes some progress in the efforts to expedite the return of spare parts belonging to Kuwait Airways Corporation, which were reportedly found on board Iraqi Airways aircraft stationed in Tunisia. The Secretary-General welcomes the cooperation of Iraq and Tunisia in that effort.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties concerned to resolve all such outstanding property issues, which are under the mandate of the UN High-level Coordinator Yuli Vorontsov.

"This remaining legacy of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait should be dealt with efficiently and without delay," he says.

The Security Council plans to hold consultations on the issue next Monday.