U.N. Diplomats at Odds Over Draft Resolutions on Iraq Oil Exports

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended that Iraq be allowed to export $5.25 billion worth of oil over six months, a significant increase from the current $2 billion. This proposal has sparked a debate among Security Council delegations, with diplomats at odds over key elements of the text. A new resolution could be ready by the end of this week for adoption early next week, but the process is proving to be more problematic than expected.

Key Takeaways:

• The United States is opposing a draft French resolution that insists on language authorizing Iraq to import spare parts and supplies needed to repair its oil infrastructure, arguing that no specific language is necessary in the new resolution.
• The Iraqis have proposed doubling the current sales amount to $4 billion over six months, arguing that it is more realistic in terms of production and export goals.
• The U.S. has stalled on requests from Iraq and Turkey for spare parts required to repair or ensure the smooth operation of the Turkish-Iraqi pipeline, which is a linchpin of the oil sale.
• A U.N. diplomat has suggested that an independent analysis should be commissioned to assess what Baghdad would need to raise its crude production and export capacity to meet the $5.2 billion target, but some council members question whether the report should come from inside or outside the United Nations.
• The procedures acceptable to Iraq for procurement of humanitarian goods and distribution are a major point of contention, with some U.N. organizations, particularly the special commission overseeing Iraq's weapons disarmament, potentially benefiting excessively.

Statistics:

• $5.25 billion: The amount of oil that Iraq is recommended to export over six months, as proposed by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
• $2 billion: The current amount of oil that Iraq is allowed to export.
• Six months: The duration for which Iraq is recommended to export the increased amount of oil.
• $4 billion: The amount of oil that Iraq has proposed doubling the current sales amount to.
• $5.2 billion: The target amount of oil that Baghdad would need to raise its crude production and export capacity to meet.
• 1 week: The timeframe by which a new resolution could be ready for adoption early next week.

Sources:

• [U.N. diplomats]
• [U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan]
• [Paris Magazine]
• [U.N. Sanctions Committee]
• [Turkish-Iraqi pipeline]