United Nations Security Council Resolution 1284
Encyclopedia
United Nations
Security Council Resolution
1284, adopted on December 17, 1999, after recalling previous relevant resolutions on Iraq
, including resolutions 661
(1990), 687
(1991), 699
(1991), 707
(1991), 715
(1991), 986
(1995), 1051
(1996), 1153
(1998), 1175
(1998), 1242
(1999) and 1266
(1999), the Council established the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission
(UNMOVIC) to replace the United Nations Special Commission
(UNSCOM). It was the final resolution adopted in 1999.
Resolution 1284 was adopted by 11 votes to none against and four abstention
s from China
, France
, Malaysia and Russia
. Iraq rejected the resolution, particularly as it did not meet its requirement for the lifting of sanctions imposed in 1990
. Despite the adoption of the resolution, it did not lead to the return of United Nations weapons inspectors or changes in the humanitarian programme.
(IAEA) for future ongoing monitoring and verification of Iraq's weapons programme
. It recalled the aim for the Middle East
to be free of weapons of mass destruction
and for a global ban on the use of chemical weapons
. Furthermore, it was concerned about the humanitarian situation in Iraq, and that not all property and refugee
s from Kuwait
had returned. Iraq had made progress towards complying with Resolution 687 but the conditions did not yet exist for the Council to lift the prohibitions in that resolution.
which made the provisions legally enforceable.
was requested to appoint a chairman of UNMOVIC within 30 days. An organisational plan for UNMOVIC was requested to be submitted within 45 days, while both UNMOVIC and the IAEA were directed to draw up a work programme for the discharge of their mandates within 60 days of both organisations starting their work. Iraq would be liable for the costs of both.
in this regard. The Secretary-General was requested to report every four months on progress made towards the repatriation of Kuwaiti or third country nationals (or their remains), and every six months on the return of Kuwaiti property and national archive
s.
and petroleum products from Iraq consistent with the Oil-for-Food Programme
established in Resolution 986, where there had previously been a limit on imports. The Committee established in Resolution 661 was requested to appoint a group of experts to approve contracts to accelerate Iraq's export of petroleum and petroleum products. For an initial period of six months, the Council suspended measures relating to payments made by Iraq of 10 million United States dollar
s towards losses and damages to Kuwait following its invasion by Iraq
.
The Secretary-General was requested to maximise the benefits of arrangements set out in Resolution 986 including the enhancement of the humanitarian aid
programme for the Iraqi people and provide daily updates on the escrow account. The Security Council further decided that Hajj pilgrimage
flights were excluded from the provisions of Resolutions 661 and 670
. It also called on Iraq to ensure that all relief supplies were distributed correctly, particularly to vulnerable groups, and to continue demining
work. In addition, the Secretary-General was asked to establish a group of experts to find out how Iraq's oil production could be increased, for example by bringing in foreign oil companies.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Security Council Resolution
United Nations Security Council Resolution
A United Nations Security Council resolution is a UN resolution adopted by the fifteen members of the Security Council; the UN body charged with "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security"....
1284, adopted on December 17, 1999, after recalling previous relevant resolutions on Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, including resolutions 661
United Nations Security Council Resolution 661
In United Nations Security Council Resolution 661, adopted on August 6, 1990, reaffirming Resolution 660 and noting Iraq's refusal to comply with it and Kuwait's right of self-defence, the Council took steps to implement international sanctions on Iraq under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter...
(1990), 687
United Nations Security Council Resolution 687
United Nations Security Council Resolution 687, adopted on April 3, 1991, after reaffirming resolutions 660, 661, 662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674, 677, 678 and 686 , the Council set the terms, in a comprehensive resolution, with which Iraq was to comply after losing the Gulf War.The...
(1991), 699
United Nations Security Council Resolution 699
United Nations Security Council Resolution 699, adopted unanimously on June 17, 1991, after recalling Resolution 687 and noting the report by the Secretary-General it requested, the Council, acting under Chapter VII, confirmed that the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations Special...
(1991), 707
United Nations Security Council Resolution 707
United Nations Security Council Resolution 707, adopted unanimously on August 15, 1991, after recalling Resolution 687 and hearing representations from the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations Special Commission, the Council, acting under Chapter VII, condemned Iraq for...
(1991), 715
United Nations Security Council Resolution 715
United Nations Security Council Resolution 715, adopted unanimously on October 11, 1991, after recalling resolutions 687 and 707 , the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, approved plans from the International Atomic Energy Agency and Secretary-General Javier Pérez de...
(1991), 986
United Nations Security Council Resolution 986
United Nations Security Council Resolution 986, adopted unanimously on April 14, 1995, after reaffirming all resolutions on Iraq and noting the serious humanitarian situation with the Iraqi civilian population, the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, established a...
(1995), 1051
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1051
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1051, adopted unanimously on March 27, 1996, after reaffirming resolutions 687 , 707 and 715 on the monitoring of Iraq's weapons programme, the Council approved a mechanism for monitoring Iraq's imports and exports of "dual use" items.The Security...
(1996), 1153
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1153
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1153, adopted unanimously on February 20, 1998, after recalling all previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolutions 986 , 1111 , 1129 and 1143 concerning the Oil-for-Food Programme, the Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations...
(1998), 1175
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1175
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1175, adopted unanimously on June 19, 1998, after recalling all previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolutions 986 , 1111 , 1129 , 1143 , 1153 and 1158 concerning the Oil-for-Food Programme, the Council noted that Iraq was unable to export...
(1998), 1242
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1242
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1242, adopted unanimously on May 21, 1999, after recalling all previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolutions 986 , 1111 , 1129 , 1143 , 1153 , 1175 and 1210 concerning the Oil-for-Food Programme, the Council extended provisions relating to the...
(1999) and 1266
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1266
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1266, adopted unanimously on October 4, 1999, after recalling all previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolutions 986 , 1111 , 1129 , 1143 , 1153 , 1175 , 1210 and 1242 concerning the Oil-for-Food Programme, the Council increased the limit on the...
(1999), the Council established the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission
United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission
The United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission was created through the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1284 of 17 December 1999....
(UNMOVIC) to replace the United Nations Special Commission
United Nations Special Commission
United Nations Special Commission was an inspection regime created by the United Nations to ensure Iraq's compliance with policies concerning Iraqi production and use of weapons of mass destruction after the Gulf War...
(UNSCOM). It was the final resolution adopted in 1999.
Resolution 1284 was adopted by 11 votes to none against and four abstention
Abstention
Abstention is a term in election procedure for when a participant in a vote either does not go to vote or, in parliamentary procedure, is present during the vote, but does not cast a ballot. Abstention must be contrasted with "blank vote", in which a voter casts a ballot willfully made invalid by...
s from China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Malaysia and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. Iraq rejected the resolution, particularly as it did not meet its requirement for the lifting of sanctions imposed in 1990
Iraq sanctions
The Iraq sanctions were a near-total financial and trade embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council on the nation of Iraq. They began August 6, 1990, four days after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, stayed largely in force until May 2003 , and certain portions including reparations to Kuwait...
. Despite the adoption of the resolution, it did not lead to the return of United Nations weapons inspectors or changes in the humanitarian programme.
Observations
The Security Council recalled the provisions of Resolution 715 which approved plans by the Secretary-General and Director General of the International Atomic Energy AgencyInternational Atomic Energy Agency
The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA was established as an autonomous organization on 29 July 1957...
(IAEA) for future ongoing monitoring and verification of Iraq's weapons programme
Iraq and weapons of mass destruction
During the regime of Saddam Hussein, the nation of Iraq used, possessed, and made efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction . Hussein was internationally known for his use of chemical weapons in the 1980s against Iranian and Kurdish civilians during and after the Iran–Iraq War...
. It recalled the aim for the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
to be free of weapons of mass destruction
Weapons of mass destruction
A weapon of mass destruction is a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans and/or cause great damage to man-made structures , natural structures , or the biosphere in general...
and for a global ban on the use of chemical weapons
Chemical warfare
Chemical warfare involves using the toxic properties of chemical substances as weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from Nuclear warfare and Biological warfare, which together make up NBC, the military acronym for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical...
. Furthermore, it was concerned about the humanitarian situation in Iraq, and that not all property and refugee
Refugee
A refugee is a person who outside her country of origin or habitual residence because she has suffered persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or because she is a member of a persecuted 'social group'. Such a person may be referred to as an 'asylum seeker' until...
s from Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
had returned. Iraq had made progress towards complying with Resolution 687 but the conditions did not yet exist for the Council to lift the prohibitions in that resolution.
Acts
Resolution 1284 was divided into four sections, all of which were enacted under Chapter VII of the United Nations CharterChapter VII of the United Nations Charter
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter sets out the UN Security Council's powers to maintain peace. It allows the Council to "determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression" and to take military and nonmilitary action to "restore international peace...
which made the provisions legally enforceable.
A
In the first part of the resolution, the Security Council established UNMOVIC and would undertake the responsibilities of UNSCOM. It demanded that Iraq allow UNMOVIC immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to any given area, installation, equipment, documents or person. The Secretary-General Kofi AnnanKofi Annan
Kofi Atta Annan is a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the UN from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2006...
was requested to appoint a chairman of UNMOVIC within 30 days. An organisational plan for UNMOVIC was requested to be submitted within 45 days, while both UNMOVIC and the IAEA were directed to draw up a work programme for the discharge of their mandates within 60 days of both organisations starting their work. Iraq would be liable for the costs of both.
B
Section B addressed the repatriation of Kuwati and third country nationals from Iraq, and the Council reminded Iraq to co-operate with the International Committee of the Red CrossInternational Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross is a private humanitarian institution based in Geneva, Switzerland. States parties to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005, have given the ICRC a mandate to protect the victims of international and...
in this regard. The Secretary-General was requested to report every four months on progress made towards the repatriation of Kuwaiti or third country nationals (or their remains), and every six months on the return of Kuwaiti property and national archive
Archive
An archive is a collection of historical records, or the physical place they are located. Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of an organization...
s.
C
Countries were permitted to import an unlimited amount of petroleumPetroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
and petroleum products from Iraq consistent with the Oil-for-Food Programme
Oil-for-Food Programme
The Oil-for-Food Programme , established by the United Nations in 1995 was established with the stated intent to allow Iraq to sell oil on the world market in exchange for food, medicine, and other humanitarian needs for ordinary Iraqi citizens without allowing Iraq to boost its military...
established in Resolution 986, where there had previously been a limit on imports. The Committee established in Resolution 661 was requested to appoint a group of experts to approve contracts to accelerate Iraq's export of petroleum and petroleum products. For an initial period of six months, the Council suspended measures relating to payments made by Iraq of 10 million United States dollar
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
s towards losses and damages to Kuwait following its invasion by Iraq
Invasion of Kuwait
The Invasion of Kuwait, also known as the Iraq-Kuwait War, was a major conflict between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait, which resulted in the seven-month long Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, which subsequently led to direct military intervention by United States-led forces in the Gulf...
.
The Secretary-General was requested to maximise the benefits of arrangements set out in Resolution 986 including the enhancement of the humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
programme for the Iraqi people and provide daily updates on the escrow account. The Security Council further decided that Hajj pilgrimage
Hajj
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so...
flights were excluded from the provisions of Resolutions 661 and 670
United Nations Security Council Resolution 670
United Nations Security Council Resolution 670, adopted on September 25, 1990, after recalling resolutions 660 , 661 , 662 , 664 , 665 , 666 and 667 on the topic of Iraq, the Council condemned the continued Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the violence against Kuwaiti citizens and its defiance of...
. It also called on Iraq to ensure that all relief supplies were distributed correctly, particularly to vulnerable groups, and to continue demining
Demining
Demining or mine clearance is the process of removing either land mines, or naval mines, from an area, while minesweeping describes the act of detecting of mines. There are two distinct types of mine detection and removal: military and humanitarian.Minesweepers use many tools in order to accomplish...
work. In addition, the Secretary-General was asked to establish a group of experts to find out how Iraq's oil production could be increased, for example by bringing in foreign oil companies.
D
The resolution concluded with the Council stating that if Iraq was complying with UNMOVIC, the IAEA and Security Council resolutions, that it would suspend the ban on import of commodities and products originating in Iraq and prohibitions against the sale, supply and delivery of civilian commodities and products to Iraq, excluding exceptions described in Resolution 687 for a period of 120 days. If Iraq was not co-operating, the prohibitions would be reimposed five days after receiving reports from the Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC and the Director General of the IAEA.See also
- Foreign relations of IraqForeign relations of IraqSince 1980, the foreign relations of Iraq were influenced by a number of controversial decisions by the Saddam Hussein administration. Hussein had good relations with the Soviet Union and a number of western countries such as France and Germany, who provided him with advanced weapons systems...
- Iraq and weapons of mass destructionIraq and weapons of mass destructionDuring the regime of Saddam Hussein, the nation of Iraq used, possessed, and made efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction . Hussein was internationally known for his use of chemical weapons in the 1980s against Iranian and Kurdish civilians during and after the Iran–Iraq War...
- Iraq disarmament timeline 1990–2003Iraq disarmament timeline 1990–2003-1990:July 24, 1990* Nine days before Iraq's invasion of Kuwait US State Department spokeswoman, Margaret Tutweiller states: "We do not have any defence treaties with Kuwait, and there are no special defence or security commitments to Kuwait."August 2, 1990...
- Iraq sanctionsIraq sanctionsThe Iraq sanctions were a near-total financial and trade embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council on the nation of Iraq. They began August 6, 1990, four days after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, stayed largely in force until May 2003 , and certain portions including reparations to Kuwait...
- List of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1201 to 1300 (1998 – 2000)