S/PV.3061 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council welcomes the announcement of the Iraqi authorities that they will resume discussions with the United Nations Secretariat concerning implementation of the scheme of sales of Iraqi petroleum and petroleum products, as provided for in Security Council resolutions 706 (1991) and 712 (1991), and for the use of the proceeds of such sales in accordance with the Secretary-General's report of 4 September 1991 (S/23006) and the above-mentioned resolutions. "The Council also welcomes the Secretary-General's intention that these discussions be organized without delay. "The Council is prepared to authorize the regime for the sale of Iraqi petroleum and petroleum products on the above basis for a like period of time as that specified in these resolutions as soon as the Secretary-General indicates that the Iraqi authorities are prepared to proceed on a date certain with the export of petroleum and petroleum products in accordance with the scheme. (The President) "The members of the Council are prepared at an appropriate time to ‘consider possible further extensions of time based upon Iraq's cooperation with the above and the Council's ongoing assessment of the needs and requirements in accordance with paragraph 1 (d) of Security Council resolution 706 (1991)." The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 5.55 p.m.