The UN Security Council's Iraq sanctions committee has approved new contracts to supply vaccines to the Arab state under the UN-sponsored "oil-for-food" program, according to the office running the relief effort, cited in a UN website report.
The Office of the Iraq Program reported that the Security Council's sanctions panel - known as the "661 committee" after the resolution that created it - last week approved four contracts worth $10.48 million for several types of human vaccines, on the condition that UN observers in Iraq closely monitor the use of those supplies, which are expected to meet the country's reported shortages.
Also last week, the committee approved contracts for steel, generator sets and pesticides on condition of close monitoring by the UN observers in Iraq, said the report.
As of 14 June, approximately $2.2 billion and €1.85 billion (euros) in unencumbered funds were available in the UN escrow account for the issuance of additional letters of credit for the purchase of humanitarian supplies and oil spare parts and equipment by the Government of Iraq, the office reported.
In November 2000, the euro replaced the United States dollar for Iraqi oil purchases, at Baghdad's request and with the authorization of the sanctions committee.
Meanwhile, Iraq's suspension of its petroleum exports under the oil-for-food program continued into the second week – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
