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December 1999
UNSCOM: CHRONOLOGY OF MAIN EVENTS
3 Apr 1991 Security Council resolution 687 (1991), Section C,
decides that Iraq shall unconditionally accept, under
international supervision, the destruction, removal or rendering
harmless of its weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles
with a range over 150 kilometres, and related production
facilities and equipment. It also provides for establishment of
a system of ongoing monitoring and verification of Iraq’s
compliance with the ban on these weapons and missiles. Requires
Iraq to make a declaration, within 15 days, of the location,
amounts and types of all such items.
6 Apr 1991 Iraq accepts resolution 687 (1991) (S/22456).
18 Apr 1991 Iraq provides initial declaration required under
resolution 687 (1991), declares some chemical weapons and
materials and 53 Al-Hussein and Scud type long-range ballistic
missiles. Iraq declares it has no biological weapons programme.
14 May 1991 Entry into force of the exchange of letters between
the Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister of Iraq setting
out the rights, privileges and immunities of the Special
Commission and its personnel in Iraq.
16 May 1991 Iraq submits revised declarations covering
additional chemical weapons and a refinement of the missile
declaration.
9 Jun 1991 UNSCOM commences its first chemical weapons
inspection.
23-28 Jun 1991 UNSCOM/IAEA inspectors try to intercept Iraqi
vehicles carrying nuclear related equipment (Calutrons). Iraqi
personnel fire warning shots in the air to prevent the
inspectors from approaching the vehicles. The equipment is later
seized and destroyed under international supervision.
17 Jun 1991 Security Council resolution 699 (1991), confirms
that the Special Commission and the IAEA have a continuing
authority to conduct activities under section C of resolution
687 (1991).
28 Jun 1991 Statement by the President of the Security Council
deploring Iraq’s denial of access to an inspection site and
asking the Secretary-General to send a high-level mission to
Baghdad immediately (S/22746).
30 Jun 1991 UNSCOM commences its first missile inspection.
5 Jul 1991 Report of the high-level mission sent to Iraq
containing undertakings by Iraq of full cooperation, including
immediate and unimpeded access to sites and the right to stop
and inspection vehicles in movement (S/22761).
2 Aug 1991 Iraq declares to the first biological inspection team
that it had conducted "biological research activities for
defensive military purposes".
15 Aug 1991 Security Council resolution 707 (1991), demands that
Iraq provide without further delay full, final and complete
disclosures of its proscribed weapons and programmes, as
required by resolution 687 (1991).
6 Sep 1991 The first UNSCOM inspection team which intended to
use helicopters is blocked by Iraq.
23 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the
Security Council concerning Iraq’s failure to provide
unconditional acceptance of resolution 707 (1991) (SC/5306 -
IK54).
21-30 Sep 1991 IAEA inspectors find large amounts of
documentation relating to Iraq's efforts to acquire nuclear
weapons. The Iraqi officials confiscate some documents from the
inspectors. The inspectors refuse to yield a second set of
documents. In response, Iraq refuses to allow the team to leave
the site with these documents. A four-day stand-off during which
the team remained in the parking lot of the site ensues. Iraq
permits the team to leave with the documents following a
statement by the President of the Security Council, threatening
enforcement action by members of the Council.
24 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the
Security Council concerning Iraq’s detention of an inspection
team and reiterated that the Commission is the sole judge of the
definition of documents, sites or materials subject to
inspection (SC/5307 - IK61).
24 Sep 1991 Statement to the press by the President of the
Security Council concerning the use of its own helicopters by
the Special Commission and noting a letter from Iraq which the
Council considered to be an unconditional acceptance of
resolution 707 (1991) (SC/5370-IK/61).
11 Oct 1991 Security Council resolution 715 (1991), approves the
plans for ongoing monitoring and verification submitted by the
Secretary-General (S/22871/Rev. l) and the Director General of
the IAEA (S/22872/Rev.1). The Commission's plan also establishes
that Iraq shall "accept unconditionally the inspectors and all
other personnel designated by the Special Commission".
Oct 1991 Iraq states that it considers the Ongoing Monitoring
and Verification Plans, adopted by resolution 715 (1991), to be
unlawful and states that it is not ready to comply with
resolution 715.
18 Feb 1992 Special report of the Executive Chairman of UNSCOM
regarding the visit of a special mission to Baghdad on 27
January 1991, recording that Iraq was rejecting any obligations
imposed on it by Council resolutions 707 (1991) and 715 (1991)
(S/23606).
19 Feb 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
approving the report of the special mission and expressing grave
concern over Iraq’s failure to acknowledge its obligations under
resolution 715 (1991) and the plans for ongoing monitoring and
verification, and supporting a decision to despatch a further
special mission to Baghdad (S/23609).
28 Feb 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council,
upon receipt of the special Commission’s report, reaffirming
that it is for UNSCOM alone to determine which items are to be
destroyed under resolution 687, and condemning Iraq’s failure to
provide full compliance with the relevant Security Council
resolutions (S/23663).
11 Mar 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning general and specific obligations of Iraq including
those in the weapons areas, under the various Security Council
resolutions (S/23699).
12 Mar 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
noting a statement made in the Council by the Deputy Prime
Minister of Iraq and expressing the view that Iraq had not yet
complied fully and unconditionally with its obligations under
the relevant Security Council resolutions (S/23709).
19 Mar 1992 Iraq declares the existence of previously undeclared
ballistic missiles (89), chemical weapons and associated
material. Iraq reveals that most of these undeclared items were
unilaterally destroyed in the summer of 1991, in violation of
resolution 687 (1991).
9 Apr 1992 Iraq calls for a halt of UNSCOM's aerial surveillance
flights, making reference to the possibility that the aircraft
and its pilot would be endangered.
10 Apr 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning Iraq’s threats to the safety and security of UNSCOM’s
aerial surveillance flights over Iraq and reaffirming UNSCOM's
right to conduct such flights (S/23803). Subsequently, Iraq
affirms that it does not intend to carry out any military action
aimed at UNSCOM's aerial flights.
May 1992 Iraq provides its first Full, Final and Complete
Disclosures for its prohibited biological and missile programmes.
Iraq admits to having had only a "defensive" biological weapons
programme.
Jun 1992 Iraq provides its first Full, Final and Complete
Disclosure for its prohibited chemical weapons programme.
Jul 1992 UNSCOM begins the destruction of large quantities of
Iraq's chemical weapons and production facilities.
6-29 Jul 1992 Iraq refuses an inspection team access to the
Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture. UNSCOM had reliable information
that the site contained archives related to proscribed
activities.
6 Jul 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning refusal by Iraq to permit the UNSCOM inspection team
entry into the Ministry of Agriculture and stating that Iraq’s
denial constituted a material and unacceptable breach of
resolution 687 (1991) (S/24240). Access was thereafter obtained.
Evidence gathered from the Ministry is consistent with the
removal of items during the period the team was denied entry.
15 Oct 1992 Statement to the press by the President of the
Security Council concerning a high-level statement made in Iraq
which appeared to constitute a threat to the security of United
Nations inspectors, expressing the Council’s concern for the
safety of the inspectors and expressing the wish that Iraq
cooperate fully with them (S/5484 - IK125).
23 Nov 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning general and specific obligations of Iraq, including
those in the weapons areas, under the various Security Council
resolutions (S/24836).
24 Nov 1992 Statement by the President of the Security Council
concerning statements by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and
regretting threats, allegations and attacks made by him
regarding the various United Nations operations in Iraq
(S/24839).
Jan 1993 Iraq refuses to allow UNSCOM the use of its own
aircraft to fly into Iraq. Furthermore, Iraq starts incursions
into the demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait and
increases its military activity in the no-fly zones.
8 Jan 1993 Statement by the President of the Security Council,
noting that Iraq's action in prohibiting the use of UNSCOM
aircraft is an "unacceptable and material breach" of resolution
687 (1991) and warns Iraq of "serious consequences", were it to
continue (S/25081).
11 Jan 1993 Statement by the President of the Security Council
reiterating the Statement of 8 January 1993 regarding Iraq’s
prohibition on the use of UNSCOM aircraft, and again warning of
serious consequences that would flow from continuing defiance
(S/25091).
19 Jan 1993 Air raids are conducted on sites in southern Iraq by
France, the UK and the US. Iraq informs UNSCOM that it will be
able to resume its flights (S/225172).
Jun-Jul 1993 Iraq refuses to allow UNSCOM to install
remote-controlled monitoring cameras at two missile engine test
stands.
18 Jun 1993 Statement by the President of the Council,
expressing deep concern over Iraq’s de facto refusal to accept
UNSCOM installation of monitoring devices and warning Iraq of
the serious consequences of material breaches of resolution 687
(1991) (S/25970). Subsequently, Iraq agrees to the installation
of the monitoring cameras.
16 Sep 1993 Tripartite report by the Executive Chairman, the
leader of the IAEA Action Team and the Director of the Iraqi
Military Industrialization Corporation on measures to implement
the plan for ongoing monitoring and verification (S/26451).
12 Oct 1993 Second tripartite report on steps to resolve
outstanding issues and to implement ongoing monitoring and
verification (S/26571).
26 Nov 1993 Iraq accepts resolution 715 (1991) and the plans for
ongoing monitoring and verification.
10 Feb 1994 Joint statement dated 5 February 1994, by the Deputy
Prime Minister of Iraq and the Executive Chairman of the Special
Commission regarding significant progress made since July 1993
in both the political and technical areas, and expressing
readiness to expedite the process establishing ongoing
monitoring and verification (S/1994/151).
29 Apr 1994 Joint Statement issued by the Chairman of the
Special Commission, the Head of the IAEA Action Team and the
Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq regarding progress made, in
particular in regard to the establishment of the ongoing
monitoring and verification, and recording Iraq’s assurances
that it would respect the rights and privileges of the
Commission and the IAEA and the Commission’s and the IAEA’s
commitment to exercise their rights and privileges in a manner
respecting Iraq’s legitimate concerns regarding sovereignty,
independence, security and dignity (S/1994/520)
Jun 1994 UNSCOM completes the destruction of large quantities of
chemical warfare agents and precursors and their production
equipment.
20 Jul 1994 Report by the Executive Chairman of the Special
Commission, transmitting a further joint statement regarding
progress made in the implementation of paragraphs 8 to 13 of
resolution 687 (1991) (S/1994/860).
Sep/Oct 1994 Iraq sets a deadline of 10 October 1994 for the
implementation of paragraph 22 of resolution 687 (1991), rejects
all appeals to withdraw its threat to stop cooperation with
UNSCOM, and starts deploying troops in the direction of Kuwait.
It leads the US to begin deploying troops to Kuwait.
8 Oct 1994 Statement by the President of the Security Council,
underlining the complete unacceptability of Iraqi statements
threatening to withdraw cooperation with UNSCOM and grave
concern over reports regarding the deployment of troops in Iraq
in the direction of Kuwait (S/PRST/1994/58).
15 Oct 1994 Security Council resolution 949 (1994), demands that
Iraq "cooperate fully" with UNSCOM and that it withdraw all
military units deployed to southern Iraq to their original
positions. Iraq thereafter withdraws its forces and resumes its
work with the Commission.
15 Oct 1994 Letter from the Representatives of Iraq and of the
Russian Federation, transmitting a Joint Communique containing
Iraq’s announcement that it had withdrawn its troops to
rearguard positions (S/1994/1173).
Mar 1995 Iraq provides the second Full, Final and Complete
Disclosures of its prohibited biological and chemical weapons
programmes.
1 Jul 1995 As a result of UNSCOM's investigations and in the
light of irrefutable evidence, Iraq admits for the first time
the existence of an offensive biological weapons programme but
denies weaponization.
Jul 1995 Iraq threatens to end all cooperation with UNSCOM and
the IAEA if there is no progress towards the lifting of
sanctions and the oil embargo by 31 August 1995.
Aug 1995 Iraq provides the third Full, Final and Complete
Disclosure for its prohibited biological weapons programme.
8 Aug 1995 General Hussein Kamel, Minister of Industry and
Minerals and former Director of Iraq's Military
Industrialization Corporation, with responsibility for all of
Iraq's weapons programmes, leaves Iraq for Jordan. Iraq claims
that Hussein Kamel had hidden from UNSCOM and the IAEA important
information on the prohibited weapons programmes. Iraq withdraws
its third biological Full, Final and Complete Disclosure and
admits a far more extensive biological warfare programme than
previously admitted, including weaponization. Iraq also admits
having achieved greater progress in its efforts to indigenously
produce long-range missiles than had previously been declared.
Iraq provides UNSCOM and the IAEA with large amounts of
documentation, hidden on a chicken farm ostensibly by Hussein
Kamel, related to its prohibited weapons programmes which
subsequently leads to further disclosures by Iraq concerning the
production of the nerve agent VX and Iraq's development of a
nuclear weapon. Iraq also informs UNSCOM that the deadline to
halt its cooperation is withdrawn.
Nov 1995 Iraq provides second Full, Final and Complete
Disclosure of its prohibited missile programme.
Nov 1995 The Government of Jordan intercepts a large shipment of
high-grade missile components destined for Iraq. Iraq denies
that it had sought to purchase these components, although it
acknowledged that some of them were in Iraq. UNSCOM conducts an
investigation, which confirms that Iraqi authorities and missile
facilities have been involved in the acquisition of
sophisticated guidance and control components for proscribed
missiles. UNSCOM retrieves additional similar missile components
from the Tigris river, which had been allegedly disposed of
there by Iraqis involved in the covert acquisition.
Mar 1996 UNSCOM teams are denied immediate access to five sites
designated for inspection. The teams enter the sites after
delays of up to 17 hours.
19 Mar 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council
expressing the Council’s concern at Iraq's denial of access,
which it terms a clear violation of Iraq's obligations under
relevant resolutions. The Council also demands that Iraq allow
UNSCOM teams immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to
all sites designated for inspection (S/PRST/1996/11).
27 Mar 1996 Security Council resolution 1051(1996), approves the
export/import monitoring mechanism for Iraq and demands that
Iraq meet unconditionally all its obligations under the
mechanism and cooperate fully with the Special Commission and
the Director-General of the IAEA.
May-Jun 1996 UNSCOM supervises the destruction of Al-Hakam,
Iraq's main facility for the production of biological warfare
agents.
Jun 1996 Iraq denies UNSCOM teams access to sites under
investigation for their involvement in the "concealment
mechanism" for proscribed items.
12 Jun 1996 Security Council resolution 1060 (1996), terms
Iraq's actions a clear violation of the provisions of the
Council's resolutions. It also demands that Iraq grant immediate
and unrestricted access to all sites designated for inspection
by UNSCOM.
13 Jun 1996 Despite the adoption of resolution 1060 (1996), Iraq
again denies access to another inspection team.
14 Jun 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council condemns the failure of Iraq to comply with
resolution 1060 (1996). The Council also asks that the Executive
Chairman visit Baghdad with a view to securing access to all
sites which the Commission designates for inspection (S/PRST/1996/28).
19-22 Jun 1996 The Executive Chairman visits Baghdad. UNSCOM and
Iraq agree on a Joint 1996 Statement and a Joint Programme of
Action (S/1996/463). The Chairman establishes modalities for
inspection of so-called "sensitive sites", in order to take into
account Iraq's legitimate security concerns.
22 Jun 1996 Iraq provides the fourth Full, Final and Complete
Disclosure of its prohibited biological weapons programme.
Jun 1996 Iraq provides third Full, Final and Complete Disclosure
of its prohibited chemical weapons programme. The progress
achieved in verifying this disclosure, and subsequent
attachments presented by Iraq, is described in the Commission's
October 1997 report to the Security Council (S/1997/774).
Jul 1996 Iraq provides the third Full, Final and Complete
Disclosure of its prohibited missile programme. The results
achieved by the Commission verifying this disclosure, and
subsequent attachments presented by Iraq, is described in the
Commission's October 1997 report to the Security Council
(S/1997/774).
23 Aug 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council strongly reaffirms its full support of the
Commission in the conduct of its inspections and other tasks and
expresses its grave concern at Iraq’s failure to comply fully
with resolution 1060 (1996). The Council also states that Iraq’s
failure to grant immediate unconditional and unrestricted access
to sites and its attempts to impose conditions on the conduct of
interviews with Iraqi officials constitute a gross violation of
its obligations. The Council also reminds Iraq that only full
compliance with its obligations would enable the Executive
Chairman to present a report in accordance with section C of
resolution 687 (1991) (S/PRST/1996/36).
Nov 1996 Iraq blocks UNSCOM from removing remnants of missile
engines for in-depth analysis outside Iraq.
30 Dec 1996 Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council deplores the refusal of Iraq to allow the
Special Commission to remove certain missile engines from Iraq
for analysis, and demands that Iraq allow such removal. (S/PRST/1996/49).
Feb 1997 Iraq allows UNSCOM to remove the missile engines.
Jun 1997 Iraq interferes with UNSCOM's helicopter operations,
threatening the safety of the aircraft and their crews.
18 Jun 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council
expressing serious concern at Iraq’s actions endangering the
Commission’s helicopters, deploring such incidents and demanding
that Iraq permit UNSCOM to carry out its air operations anywhere
in Iraq without interference of any kind (S/PRST/1997/33).
21 Jun 1997 Iraq again blocks UNSCOM's teams from entering
certain sites, which have been designated by UNSCOM for
inspection.
21 Jun 1997 Security Council resolution 1115 (1997), condemns
Iraq's actions and demands that Iraq allow UNSCOM's team
immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to any sites
for inspection and officials for interviews by UNSCOM. The
Council also calls for an additional report on Iraq's
cooperation with the Commission and suspends the periodic
sanctions reviews.
Sep 1997 Iraq provides fifth Full, Final and Complete Disclosure
for its prohibited biological weapons programme. An
international panel of experts is convened in New York to
discuss Iraq’s declaration. The panel unanimously finds Iraq’s
declaration to be incomplete, inadequate and technically flawed.
13 Sep 1997 One of UNSCOM's personnel is manhandled by an Iraqi
officer on board one of the Commission's helicopters while the
inspector was attempting to take photographs of the unauthorized
movement of Iraqi vehicles inside a site declared by Iraq to be
"sensitive", that was designated for inspection. Two days later,
Iraq again failed to freeze movement inside another "sensitive
site" designated for inspection.
17 Sep 1997 The President of the Security Council makes a
statement to the media, which, inter alia, deplores the
incidents and urges Iraq to cooperate fully with UNSCOM.
17 Sep 1997 While seeking access to a site for inspection
declared by Iraq to be "sensitive", UNSCOM inspectors witness
and videotape the movement of files, the burning of documents
and dumping of ash-filled waste cans into a nearby river.
Sep/Oct 1997 UNSCOM inspection teams are prevented from
inspecting three sites designated for inspection, on the basis
that the sites are "presidential sites", which Iraq claims are
out of bounds to UNSCOM's inspectors.
23 Oct 1997 Security Council resolution 1134 (1997), demands
that Iraq cooperate fully with the Special Commission, continues
the suspension of the periodic sanctions reviews and foreshadows
additional sanctions pending a further report on Iraq's
cooperation with UNSCOM.
Oct 1997 UNSCOM completes the destruction of additional, large
quantities of chemical weapons related equipment and precursors
chemicals. Iraq had previously denied that part of the equipment
had been used for CW production. Only in May 1997, on the basis
of UNSCOM's investigations, did Iraq admit that some of the
equipment had indeed been used in the production of VX.
27 Oct 1997 The Executive Chairman sends a letter to Deputy
Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, suggesting the agenda for forthcoming
meetings in Baghdad. The letter proposes that Iraq address
important outstanding issues, including warheads, VX and the
biological weapons area. It also mentions the need to review the
"modalities for inspection of sensitive sites" to ensure that
inspections are conducted in a credible manner.
29 Oct 1997 The Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Tariq Aziz,
sends a letter to the President of the Security Council,
informing the Council of policy decisions taken by the
Government of Iraq. The letter includes a decision not to deal
with personnel of United States nationality working for UNSCOM,
a demand that all personnel of United States nationality working
with UNSCOM leave Iraq by a given deadline, and a request that
UNSCOM withdraw its "cover" for the "spy plane" U-2, provided by
the United States.
29 Oct 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council
condemning Iraq's decision and terming it "unacceptable". The
statement also demands that Iraq cooperate fully, without
restrictions or conditions with UNSCOM, and warns of the serious
consequences of Iraq's failure to comply immediately and fully
with its obligations under relevant resolutions (S/PRST/1997/49).
12 Nov 1997 Security Council resolution 1137 (1997), condemns
the continued violation by Iraq of its obligations, including
its unacceptable decision to seek to impose conditions on
cooperation with UNSCOM. It also imposes a travel restriction on
Iraqi officials who are responsible for or participated in the
instances of non-compliance.
13 Nov 1997 Iraq requires the personnel of United States
nationality working for UNSCOM to leave Iraq immediately. The
Executive Chairman decides the majority of the UNSCOM personnel
should withdraw temporarily from Iraq. A skeleton staff remains
in Baghdad to maintain UNSCOM's premises and equipment.
13 Nov 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council condemns the unacceptable decision of Iraq
in expelling personnel of UNSCOM of a specified nationality,
demands Iraq to rescind its decisions of 29 October 1997 and
demands that Iraq cooperate fully with UNSCOM (S/PRST/1997/51).
20 Nov 1997 Following intensive diplomatic activity an agreement
is reached between Iraq and the Russian Federation whereby Iraq
accepts the return of the Commission with its full complement of
staff to resume its work in Iraq. The Commission’s personnel,
who had been temporarily withdrawn to Bahrain, return to Iraq on
21 November and resume their inspection activities the following
day.
21 Nov 1997 An Emergency Session of the Special Commission is
held in New York in order to discuss and advise on ways to make
the work more effective. The report of the Emergency Session is
submitted to the Security Council (S/1997/922).
3 Dec 1997 Statement by the President of the Security Council in
which the Council endorses the conclusions and recommendations
of the Emergency Session of the Commission. The Council also
stresses that the effectiveness and speed with which UNSCOM
might accomplish its responsibilities was determined by the
degree to which Iraq cooperated in disclosing the full extent
and disposition of its proscribed programmes, and in granting
UNSCOM unimpeded to all sites, records and individuals. The
Council further welcomes the progress achieved by UNSCOM and the
IAEA in the various disarmament areas (S/PRST/1997/54).
17 Dec 1997 The Executive Chairman returns to New York from Iraq
and reports, inter alia, to the Council that Iraq would not
permit the Commission’s inspectors into a category of sites
(Presidential and Sovereign) hitherto not identified to the
Council or the Commission as being off-limits to inspection
(S/1997/987).
22 Dec 1997 The President of the Security Council issues a
statement in which members of the Council call upon the
Government of Iraq to cooperate fully with the Commission and
stress that failure by Iraq to provide immediate, unconditional
and unrestricted access to any site is unacceptable (S/PRST/1997/56).
13 Jan 1998 The Executive Chairman reports to the Council that
during the first day of an inspection, Iraq announced that it
was withdrawing its cooperation with the inspection team on the
pretext that the team had too many individuals of US or UK
nationality (S/1998/27 of 13 January 1998).
14 Jan 1998 Iraq continues to block the work of the inspection
team.
14 Jan 1998 The President of the Security Council issues a
statement terming Iraq’s actions unacceptable and a clear
violation of the relevant resolutions and reiterates its demand
that Iraq cooperate fully and immediately without conditions (S/PRST/1998/1).
22 Jan 1998 Following a visit to Iraq, the Executive Chairman
reports to the Council that, despite the Council’s Statement on
the need for unrestricted access to all sites, the Deputy Prime
Minister of Iraq continues to assert that Iraq would not permit
access to eight so-called Presidential sites (S/1998/58).
Early Feb Two technical evaluation meetings (TEMS) take place in
Baghdad, reviewing 1998 the position with respect to the
chemical weapons agent VX. and missile warheads. The report of
the outcome of the meetings is submitted to the Council
(document S/1998/176). Despite Iraq’s assertions and it having
had a full opportunity to present its views on all matters
pertaining to the two issues, the team of UNSCOM international
experts conclude unanimously that Iraq has still not provided
sufficient information for the Commission to conclude that Iraq
had undertaken all the disarmament steps required of it in these
areas. The Commission’s experts provide the Council with an oral
briefing of the outcome on these two TEMS in March 1998.
15-18 Feb 1998 In order to understand the scope (size and
perimeters) of the eight Presidential sites which Iraq had
decided to declare off-limits to the Commission’s inspectors,
the Secretary-General decides to despatch a technical survey
team to Iraq. The report of this mission is forwarded to the
Council under cover of a letter from the Secretary-General to
the President of the Council (S/1998/166 Add.1).
20-23 Feb 1998 The Secretary-General visits Iraq. As a result of
his meetings, the United Nations and the Republic of Iraq agree
on the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MO.) (S/1998/166)
which was signed on 23 February. The Secretary-General secures
Iraq’s reconfirmation of its acceptance of all relevant
resolutions of the Council and the reiteration of its
undertaking to cooperate fully with the Commission and the IAEA.
In the Memorandum, Iraq also undertakes to accord to UNSCOM and
the IAEA immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access in
conformity with the resolutions of the Council. For its part,
the United Nations reiterates the commitment of all member
States to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Iraq. The Memorandum also includes an undertaking by the
Commission to respect the legitimate concerns of Iraq relating
to national security, sovereignty and dignity. The Memorandum
also provides for the establishment of special procedures which
would apply to initial and subsequent entries for the
performance of the tasks mandated at the eight Presidential
sites. The Memorandum. also makes provisions for the appointment
of a Commissioner to head the Special Group established for the
mandated tasks at Presidential sites. Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala is
appointed to this position by the Secretary-General.
2 Mar 1998 Security Council resolution 1154 (1998) endorses the
provisions of the MOU.
9 Mar 1998 In pursuance of the MOU, procedures for initial and
subsequent entry to the sites are drawn up and presented to the
Council (document S/1998/208).
20-27 Mar 1998 The Commission and Iraq conduct a further
technical evaluation meeting (TEM) in Vienna dealing with all
aspects of Iraq’s biological weapons programme.
4 Apr 1998 The initial entry to the eight Presidential sites is
completed by mission UNSCOM 243 (S/1998/326, Appendix III).
8 Apr 1998 The report of the biological weapons TEM is
transmitted to the Council (S/1998/308). As with the other TEMs,
the experts unanimously conclude that Iraq’s declaration on its
biological weapons programme is incomplete and inadequate.
15 Apr 1998 The report of the Special Group on the visit to
Presidential sites is submitted to the Council by the
Secretary-General (S/1998/326).
16 Apr 1998 The Commission’s semi-annual consolidated report is
submitted to the Council (S/1998/332).
6 May 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Council
(S/1998/377) that its requirements with respect to access to
sites are sufficiently implemented to allow for the termination
of the travel ban called for in resolution 1137 (1998).
14 May 1998 Statement by the President of the Security Council
in which the Council welcomes the improved access provided to
the Special Commission and the IAEA by Iraq, following the
signature of the Memorandum of Understanding of 23 February
1998. The Council expresses the hope that the agreement by the
Government of Iraq to provide immediate, unconditional and
unrestricted access to the Special Commission and the IAEA would
reflect a new Iraqi spirit with regard to providing accurate and
detailed information in all areas of concern (S/PRST/1998/11).
3-4 Jun 1998 At the Council’s request, experts from the
Commission’s New York Headquarters staff provide a technical
briefing to Council members in informal session. At the
conclusion of the meeting the Executive Chairman circulates to
Council members for information an informal paper on disarmament
issues which the Commission deems necessary to be completed and
verified for the formulation of a report pursuant to paragraph
22 of Security Council resolution 687 (1991).
14 Jun 1998 The Executive Chairman agrees on a schedule for work
on certain outstanding disarmament issues with the Deputy Prime
Minister covering the following six weeks (S/1998/529).
10-15 Jul 1998 A team of UNSCOM international experts meets with
their Iraqi counterparts in Baghdad to give Iraq an account of
the Commission’s VX. findings.
14 Jul 1998 As a consequence of the high-level talks between the
Deputy Prime Minister and the Executive Chairman in June 1998, a
team of UNSCOM international biological experts is assembled in
Baghdad to review, for the third time, Iraq’s declaration on its
biological weapons programme. The experts conclude that the
declaration is not verifiable.
3 Aug 1998 During a visit to Baghdad, the Executive Chairman is
told by the Deputy Prime Minister that he must certify to the
Security Council that the requirements of section C of
resolution 687 (1991) have been met. The Chairman responds that
he is not in a position to do so. The Deputy Prime Minister
suspends the talks (S/1998/719).
5 Aug 1998 The Revolutionary Command Council and the Ba’ath
Party Command decide to halt cooperation with UNSCOM and the
IAEA pending Security Council agreement to lift the oil embargo,
reorganize the Commission and move it to either Geneva or
Vienna. In the interim, Iraq would, on its own terms, permit
monitoring under resolution 715 (1991).
6 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Security Council on
Iraq’s position and the results of his talks in Baghdad
(S/1998/719). The Security Council’s President terms Iraq’s
actions "totally unacceptable".
12 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Security Council
(document S/1998/767) that, in addition to halting all
disarmament activities, Iraq’s actions with respect to
monitoring have impinged on the effectiveness of the monitoring
system and the Commission could not continue to provide the
Security Council with the same level of assurances of Iraq’s
compliance with its obligations not to reestablish its
proscribed weapons programmes.
18 Aug 1998 In a letter from the President of the Council
(S/1998/769), the Security Council reiterates its support for
UNSCOM in the full implementation of its mandate and notes that
Iraq is obliged to provide UNSCOM with cooperation necessary for
it to undertake activities, including inspections.
19 Aug 1998 The Executive Chairman proposes, in a letter to the
Deputy Prime Minister that Iraq and the Special Commission
resume the full range of activity. This is rejected by the
Deputy Prime Minister in remarks to the press stating that Iraq
does not trust the Executive Chairman or the elements dominating
UNSCOM and that it does not believe that there is any use in
resuming work with them.
3 Sep 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Security Council on
the status of UNSCOM’s work in Iraq, including three incidents
where Iraq has placed further limits on the Commission’s rights
and activities with respect to monitoring.
9 Sep 1998 Security Council resolution 1194 (1998) unanimously
condemns Iraq’s decision to suspend cooperation with UNSCOM,
terming Iraq’s actions a totally unacceptable contravention of
Iraq’s obligations; demands Iraq rescind its decision and
decides not to conduct the 60-day sanctions reviews until Iraq
does so and the Commission reports to the Council that it is
satisfied that it has been able to exercise its full range of
activities, including inspections.
24-25 Sep 1998 The Commission holds a second international
expert meeting in New York to discuss the results of 1998
analyses conducted on remnants of Iraq’s missile warheads.
6 Oct 1998 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to the
Security Council (S/1998/920).
13 Oct 1998 The Executive Chairman briefs the Council on the
Commission’s semi-annual report.
22-23 Oct The Commission convenes a further international expert
meeting to discuss the 1998 analysis of samples taken from
remnants of Iraq’s special warheads. The report of the meeting
which is submitted to the Council.
31 Oct 1998 Iraq announces that it will cease all forms of
interaction with UNSCOM and its Chairman and to halt all
UNSCOM’s activities inside Iraq, including monitoring. The
Security Council, in a statement to the press, unanimously
condemn Iraq’s decision to cease all cooperation with UNSCOM.
4 Nov 1998 The Executive Chairman informs the Council
(S/1998/1032) that, as a result of Iraq’s actions, the
Commission is not in a position to provide the Council with any
level of assurance of Iraq’s compliance with its obligations not
to retain and not to reestablish proscribed activities.
5 Nov 1998 Security Council resolution 1205 (1998) unanimously
condemns Iraq’s actions and demands that Iraq rescind
immediately and unconditionally its decisions of 31 October and
5 August.
15 Nov 1998 Press Statement by the President of the Security
Council in which the Council takes note of Iraq’s statement of
14 November to cooperate fully with the Special Commission and
the IAEA. The Council members underline that their confidence in
Iraq’s intentions needs to be established by unconditional and
sustained cooperation with the Special Commission and the IAEA
in exercising the full range of their activities. The Council
members also reaffirm their readiness to proceed with the
comprehensive review once the Secretary-General has confirmed,
on the basis of reports from the Special Commission and the IAEA
that Iraq has returned to full cooperation on the basis of
resolution 1194 (1998) and the Council President’s letter of 30
October to the Secretary-General (SC/65/96-IK258).
3 Dec 1998 The Special Commission submits the first of a series
of weekly reports on its activities during the period 17
November to 2 December 1998. The report covers inspection
activities during that period and also provides an account of
correspondence exchanged with Iraq regarding matters such as the
provision of documents, clarifications on a number of points
previously raised with Iraq and asking that Iraq provide new
substantial information on its biological weapons programme.
9 Dec 1998 The Special Commission submits its second weekly
report to the Security Council describing monitoring activities
and the difficulties encountered in the course of those
activities, including blockage at a site.
15 Dec 1998 The Special Commission reports to the
Security-General concerning UNSCOM’s activities and the status
of Iraq’s cooperation with the Commission in the period since 14
November 1998. The Executive Chairman concludes that Iraq did
not provide the full cooperation it had promised on 14 November
1998 (S/1998/1172)
16 Dec 1998 The Special Commission withdraws its staff from
Iraq.
January 1999 The Council discusses informal proposals submitted
by France Russia and Canada including on ways to re-establish
dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations.
25 Jan 1999 The Executive Chairman submits a report (S/1999/94)
to the President of the Security Council on disarmament and
monitoring.
30 Jan 1999 Through a note (S/1999/100), the President of the
Security Council announces that the Security Council has decided
that it would be useful to establish three panels to, inter alia,
provide the Council with recommendations on how to re- establish
an effective disarmament/ongoing monitoring and verification
regime in Iraq.
27 Mar 1999 The Chairman of the Panels forwards the reports of
the Panels to the President of the Security Council (S/1999/356)
9 April 1999 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to
the Security Council (S/1999/401).
30 June 1999 Mr. Richard Butler completes his two year tenure as
Executive Chairman of UNSCOM.
8 October 1999 The Commission submits its semi-annual report to
the Security Council (S/1999/1037).
17 December 1999 Security Council adopts resolution 1284
replacing UNSCOM by the United Nations Monitoring Verification
and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC). |
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