U.S. Removes Obstacle To Iraq Oil Sale Plan

The United States on Wednesday removed the last major roadblock to the sale of Iraqi oil to pay for emergency civilian needs, and United Nations officials hope to put the plan into effect within the next few weeks.

But diplomats caution that it may be a month or more before food, medicine and other goods will begin arriving in Iraq to relieve the hardships caused by six years of international sanctions imposed on Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.

Following the Clinton administration decision, some technical steps are still necessary - and the experience of recent months shows that unexpected problems can arise. But if all goes according to plan, oil-contract overseers can now be named, monitors can be stationed at pumping and pipeline facilities and a contract for surveillance of imports by a neutral outside professional company can be completed. Pricing of exports must also be determined.