Time Line

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

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source: www.oilforfoodfacts.org