LOC00:05
21:05 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, May 22 (KUNA) - The Security Council approved
Secretary-General's proposal to conclude an agreement with Iraq in order to
transfer the Kuwaiti funds contained in a UN Trust Fund to the Iraqi
Government so that it distributes appropriate amounts on the Iraqi private
citizens who remained on Kuwaiti territory following the demarcation of the
international boundary between Iraq and Kuwait.
Ban had informed the Council in a letter that "given the Iraqi requests to
transfer the funds and the fact that no objections were raised by the State of
Kuwait, -- I intend to conclude an agreement with the Government of Iraq
whereby the United Nations will transfer the funds contained in the Trust
Fund, less applicable administrative costs, to the Government of Iraq."
He did not specify a date when the transfer will take place.
The Iraqi Government will assume "full responsibility for identifying the
beneficiaries, determining the amount of compensation to be paid to each
beneficiary and disbursing the corresponding amounts.
The agreement will also provide for the Government of Iraq to inform me on
a regular basis of the progress achieved in identifying and making payment to
the beneficiaries and on completion of the process," Ban's letter added.
Kuwait had trusted the compensation money - 1,438,718 - with the UN and
said in a letter dated February 2009 that "Kuwait had fulfilled all of its
commitments relating to the issue of compensation of the Iraqi farmers and
that the subject 'now remains between the United Nations and Iraq.'"
The Kuwaiti letter outlined no conditions or specific demands, Ban told the
Council in his letter.
Earlier this month, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari requested Ban to
transfer the Kuwaiti compensation funds to the farmers, in US dollars, to the
Ministry's account number 2 at the Rasheed Bank.
"Should the Council agree ... my responsibilities ... will have been
discharged upon transfer of the funds to the Government of Iraq. The
Governments of Iraq and Kuwait have been consulted on and agree with the
course of action," Ban said.
Council President Kodjo Menan of Togo told Ban in a response letter
distributed on Wednesday that the Council "has decided to approve the proposal
contained in your letter." (end)
sj.gb
KUNA 230005 May 13NNNN