STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

19 JUNE 2000
Iraq

• The members of the Council reviewed the report of the Secretary-General, pursuant to paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1284, regarding the return of all Kuwaiti properties, including archives seized by Iraq. They also heard the briefing on that matter by the High Level Coordinator appointed by the Secretary-General Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov.
• The members of the Council reiterate their strong support for Mr. Vorontsov's efforts. They agreed with the Secretary-General's conclusion that understanding and goodwill are of critical importance for the success of Mr. Vorontsov's mission. They take note that Iraq has returned a substantial quantity of property over a nine-year period of time but that there remains many items, of fundamental importance for Kuwait, which Iraq is under obligation to return to Kuwait.
• The members of the Council approve the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report. They stress the importance of dialogue among parties and urge Iraq to return the remaining Kuwaiti properties in its possession and to cooperate to ensure the repatriation or the return of all Kuwaiti and third country nationals or their remains.