A blog intended to promote thoughtful discussion about the UN.
Oil-for-Food Timeline
| 1990 | 2 Aug | Iraq invades Kuwait |
| 6 Aug | UN Security Council Resolution UNSCR 661 passed, creates the "661 Committee" to oversee sanctions imposed on Iraq | |
| 1991 | 3 Aug | UNSCR 687 sets terms for disarmament and Iraq’s capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction |
| 15 Aug | UNSCR 706 authorizing Iraqi to sell oil for humanitarian goods not accepted by the Government of Iraq | |
| 1995 | 14 Apr | UNSCR 986 adopted that creates Oil-for-Food (OFF) program, allowing Iraq to export $2 billion in oil/quarter; Iraq refuses its terms |
| 1996 | 20 May | Iraq and UN Secretariat signed Memorandum of
Understanding, implementing UNSCR 986 |
| 10 Dec | First oil pumped in Iraq, proceeds deposited in UN escrow account at Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) in New York January 15, 1997 | |
| 1997 | 20 Mar | First shipment of supplies is cleared for import into Iraq. Wheat flour distribution began in April |
| 13 Oct | Office of the Iraq Program established, Benon V. Sevan (Cyprus) is appointed Executive Director | |
| 1998 | 20 Feb | UNSCR 1153 adopted, increased Iraqi export ceiling to $5.2 billion/quarter (creating approx. $3.4 billion for humanitarian goods) |
| 19 Jun | UNSCR 1175 adopted, authorized Iraq to import $300 million worth oil industry equipment | |
| 1999 | 17 Dec | UNSCR 1284 passed, establishes United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC); lifts all export limits on Iraqi oil |
| 2000 | 1 Mar | Implementation of "fast track" procedures (from UNSCR 1284) for approval of contracts for humanitarian supplies |
| 2002 | 14 May | UNSCR 1409 adopted, extended it another 180 days, introduced the Goods Review List, the biggest change since UNSCR 1284 |
| 28 Oct | 6,000 items approved to be "fast-tracked" | |
| 1 Nov | Inspection team arrives at Ar’ar border with Saudi Arabia crossing, to become operational Nov. 8 | |
| 2003 | 17 Mar | UN Secretary-General withdrew all remaining humanitarian personnel from Iraq due to safety and security concerns |
| 19 Mar | War in Iraq began with bombing of Baghdad | |
| 22 May | UNSCR 1483 adopted; lifts civilian sanctions and provided for termination of Oil-for Food Program within six months | |
| 21 Nov | Oil-for-Food Program handed over to the Coalition Provisional Authority |