SG/SM/5882

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPECTS TO PROPOSE SOON DATE FOR DISCUSSING 'OIL-FOR-FOOD' FORMULA WITH IRAQ

24 January 1996


Press Release
SG/SM/5882
IK/186


SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPECTS TO PROPOSE SOON DATE FOR DISCUSSING 'OIL-FOR-FOOD' FORMULA WITH IRAQ

19960124 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali:

Following the Iraqi Government's acceptance of the invitation which the Secretary-General addressed to Iraq, on the basis of the mandate given to him in accordance with Security Council resolution 986 (1995), to enter into discussions with the Secretariat on implementing the oil-for-food formula, the Secretary- General held a first meeting with his senior advisers on the evening of Tuesday, 23 January, to review preparations for the discussions with the Iraqi authorities.

The meeting was attended by the Legal Counsel, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, the Officer-in-Charge of the Department for Humanitarian Affairs and representatives of the Secretary-General's Office.

On the basis of an analytical study prepared for the purpose, the Secretary-General reviewed in detail the steps to be taken by the Secretariat to implement the various elements in the oil-for-food formula. The composition of the United Nations delegation was also examined, as well as other steps to be taken in advance of the discussions, including recruitment of the technical experts required.

The Secretary-General will hold further such meetings during the coming days and expects shortly to be in a position to communicate to the Government of Iraq his proposal for the date of the first round of discussions which will be held in New York.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.