The Czech Republic welcomes Resolution 1472 (2003) of the UN Security Council adopted on March 28, 2003, regulating the conditions of the "Oil-for-Food" humanitarian Programme established under Resolution 986 (1995). The Czech Republic regards the new resolution as an important measure aimed to contribute to the solution of emergency humanitarian and health needs of the Iraqi civilian population and as the first step towards recovering cohesion and unity of the UN Security Council on the road towards disarming and subsequently rebuilding Iraq. The Czech Republic is prepared to participate in such activities.

The functioning of the programme, allowing Iraq to obtain food and medical equipment for part of its oil incomes, was suspended on March 17, 2003, after the UN Secretary-General ordered the withdrawal of all UN staff from Iraq. The newly approved resolution, inter alia, authorizes the UN Secretary-General to review the approved contracts and to negotiate new contracts for essential medical items.

The Czech Republic hopes that the activities under the programme will be resumed as soon as possible in the interest of the people of Iraq. The approved adjustment of the Oil-for-Food Programme creates formal conditions for the potential Czech participation in the Programme through the UN, in particular in the field of essential health supplies.