The United Nations oil-for-food programme today reported a slight increase in Iraq's oil exports under the humanitarian scheme that allows Baghdad to use a portion of its petroleum revenues to purchase relief goods.

Exporting 12 million barrels of crude over the past week, Iraq has earned an additional €287 million (euros), or $252 million, under the "oil-for-food" programme, which allows Baghdad to use a portion of its petroleum revenues to purchase humanitarian relief.

Members of the Security Council today expressed divergent views on how to proceed with proposed changes to the sanctions regime against Iraq, during an open meeting held one week before the current phase of the United Nations humanitarian programme for the country is set to expire.