The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 06, 2011

Readout of the Vice President's Meeting with Haitian-American Leaders

Earlier today, Vice President Biden met with a broad group of Haitian-American leaders to discuss the United States' lasting commitment to Haiti. The Vice President underscored the important work the United States and our international partners have engaged upon in partnership with the Haitian people since last year's devastating earthquake.

The Vice President and the Haitian-American leaders were joined by a team of senior U.S. government officials who discussed the whole-of-government U.S. effort relating to Haiti and the unprecedented challenges that remain for recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 04, 2011

Statement by the Vice President on the Departure of Chief of Staff Ron Klain

Vice President Joe Biden issued the following statement in response to the announcement by his chief of staff, Ron Klain, that Klain is leaving his post later in January:

"For 25 years, Ron Klain has been my friend and advisor. As my chief of staff in the White House, Ron has done an exceptional job of building my team, implementing my direction on top priorities, and providing invaluable counsel. He has also played a key role in establishing the strong, positive relationship that exists between my staff and the President's team. I am proud of the successes we have had over these two years, and am grateful for the role Ron played in achieving them. I wish him the best of luck as he takes this next step in his career."

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 21, 2010

Statement by Vice President Biden on Iraqi Government Formation

Today, Iraq’s political leaders delivered what Iraq’s people deserved and expected: an inclusive, national partnership government that reflects the results of Iraq’s elections.
 
I especially want to congratulate Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Iraqiyya leader Ayad Allawi and Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani for the hard work and wise leadership that has brought Iraq to this promising moment.  
 
There are many challenges ahead, but I am convinced Iraq is up to them.  The United States stands ready to help and to strengthen even more the important partnership we have built.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces Staff Changes

Vice President Appoints Amy Dudley as Deputy Press Secretary, Succeeding Longtime Aide Annie Tomasini

Washington, DC – The Vice President announced today that his longtime aide and Deputy Press Secretary Annie Tomasini will be leaving at the end of the year, returning to her hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, for a position at Harvard University.  She will be succeeded by Amy Dudley, who most recently served as Delaware Senator Ted Kaufman’s press secretary.  
 
Vice President Biden said, "Annie has been a trusted and loyal member of my inner circle, as well as a source of support for the entire Biden family. From her time with me in the U.S. Senate, on the campaign trail, and now at the White House, Annie has been successful at every level.  Her talent, tireless work ethic and innate ability to bring out the best in those around her have made her an invaluable asset to the entire office.  Jill and I will miss her deeply, but we wish her the best in her future endeavors."
 
Amy Dudley comes to the White House from Senator Ted Kaufman’s office, where she served as his press secretary.  Prior to the Senate, she worked in the public affairs office of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), where she helped to develop media strategies to highlight the organization’s efforts to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide. Dudley began her career in Washington as a staff writer for The Hotline, National Journal’s daily briefing on politics, where she covered the 2006 midterm elections and the run-up to the 2008 presidential primaries. A native of Brookfield, Connecticut, Dudley graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies.  
 
Dudley joins the Vice President’s communications office, which is led by Communications Director Jay Carney, Press Secretary Elizabeth Alexander and Assistant Press Secretary Liz Allen.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2010

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani

The Vice President spoke to Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani today to discuss progress on government formation talks.  The Vice President also extended his congratulations to President Barzani on his re-election as Chairman of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 15, 2010

Readout of Vice President Biden's Visit with Saudi King Abdullah's Family

Earlier today, Vice President Biden made an unannounced visit to the hospital in New York City where Saudi King Abdullah is recuperating from surgery. The Vice President was received by King Abdullah's family, including his son Prince Miteb bin Abdullah. During his visit with King Abdullah's family, the Vice President delivered a personal letter from President Obama for the King, wishing him a speedy recovery.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 15, 2010

Remarks by the Vice President at a Meeting of the United Nations Security Council

United Nations Security Council Chamber

New York, New York

***Prior to the Vice President’s formal remarks, he spoke about the recent passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and then asked the chamber for a moment of silence:

Before I begin today, I’d like to take a moment to mark the passing this week of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, one of America’s greatest warriors for peace who served so ably here in this chamber and, quite frankly, far beyond.  He did it with an unrivaled tenacity and skill.  Ambassador Holbrooke took on, for the past half century, the most daunting foreign policy challenges from Vietnam to the Cold War, Bosnia to Afghanistan.  And through his intellect, determination, and sheer force of his will – and some of you experienced that force of his will - he helped to bend the arc of history towards progress. And while we mourn his loss, he endures in the countless lives preserved through his life’s work.  May I ask all those present in the chamber to join me in observing a moment of silence in commemoration of his passing. 

###

REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
AT A MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Distinguished colleagues, it’s a genuinely rare opportunity to chair this session of the United Nations Security Council to address the important issues related to the Republic of Iraq.  

Let us briefly reflect on what has been a critically important period in Iraq’s history.  In recent years, the Iraqi people have emerged from the depths of sectarian violence, and they have flatly rejected the grim future offered by extremists, and they have earned themselves a chance for much better days ahead.

Iraqi forces are now in charge of securing their country, and they have proved themselves more than capable of doing so, as I and many of you have seen with our own eyes.

Since our administration came to office, we’ve withdrawn over 100,000 American troops from Iraq and ended our combat mission there.  We have transitioned from a military-led engagement to a civilian-led engagement.  

And the 50,000 troops who remain until the end of next year, under the security agreement with the Iraqi government have been given a new primary mission:  advising and assisting their Iraqi counterparts.  Meanwhile, the frequency of violent attacks in Iraq has reached its lowest level - thank the Lord - since 2003.  

As you know, in March the Iraqi people conducted a historic election.  And last month Iraq’s political leaders agreed on a framework for government that reflects the election’s result.

This government will include blocs representing every major community, and will not exclude nor marginalize anyone.  It is made in Iraq by Iraqis, and it reflects a remarkable development that in today’s Iraq, politics - politics has emerged as the dominant means for settling differences and advancing its interest.

And Iraqi leaders must now honor, in a timely manner, the commitment made to each other and to the Iraqi people that were made in the negotiating process.

Going forward, the United States will continue to do its part to reinforce the progress being made in Iraq, consistent with our strategic framework agreement with the Iraqis - to forge an enduring partnership across a range of sectors, including education, energy, trade, health, culture, information technology, law enforcement - the judiciary and security.  And we respectfully urge other nations to share their expertise as well with this new emerging Iraq.

I don't need to remind this gathering of the important role the United Nations played and continues to play in the support of Iraq’s development and the very, very heavy price it has paid.  We will not forget the horror of August 19, 2003, when terrorists took the lives of 22 people, including an outstanding - and I think we would all agree, remarkable - U.S. [sic] envoy, Sérgio de Mello.  

It was a tragic harbinger of all that was to follow after August of 2003.  But the U.N.’s important work continued, and it continues to this day.  It continues because of the foresight of the U.N. Special Representative who rightly observed, and I quote him, “There is no such thing as a distant crisis,” since “you can’t help people from a distance.”  

That wisdom forged during a career spent in the hard-luck corners of the world lives on in all of those bravely helping Iraq to build a better future, including the men and women of the United Nations mission in Iraq.  

Over more than a dozen visits to Iraq, as their foreign minister can tell you, I jokingly kid that I deserve Iraqi citizenship.  I’ve spent so much time there, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.  And over those dozen visits since the war began, I’ve seen firsthand - as I hope many of you have - UNAMI’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, conduct elections, advance inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation, aiding vulnerable communities, promoting the protection of human rights, and the reform of the justice system.  Quite frankly, I’ve watched these young men and women who are the staff of the Special Representative literally risk their lives.  I’ve watched them, and I think sometimes those outside this vaulted chamber underestimate the incredible talent, the incredible dedication and the incredible devotion the men and women you send - we send in these regions.  They deserve our gratitude.  They deserve our special thanks - not just to the special envoys, like former Envoy de Mello, but also Ad Melkert, who I worked with every single day that I was in Iraq.  And I will say again, we would not have gotten to this point and I think our colleagues in Iraq would acknowledge were it not for their staff, whose work is often done under trying conditions - and I might add, Mr. Secretary, I think their work remains as important as it ever has been.

To be sure, Iraq faces further challenges on the road to security and prosperity.  Attacks by extremists remain an unacceptable aspect of daily life in Iraq.  We’re particularly concerned about recent attempts to targets innocents because of their faith, including both Christians and Muslims, and to lash out at security forces working to keep the country safe.

But I firmly believe that despite these challenges, Iraq’s best days are ahead.  As a founding member of the United Nations, Iraq seeks and deserves the opportunity to resume its rightful role in the community of nations.  Toward that end, this session formally acknowledges the significant steps Iraq has taken toward fulfilling its obligations to the United Nations incurred in the lead-up to the 1991 Gulf War.

Accordingly, the Security Council has now lifted a restriction imposed by the United Nations Security Resolutions 687 and 707, relating to weapons of mass destruction and civilian nuclear activities, in recognition of Iraq’s commitment to nonproliferation; its compliance with relevant treaties and other international instruments; its adherence to the highest nonproliferation standards, and its provisional application of the additional protocols to its agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency pending its entry into force.

The Council has also terminated the residual activities of the Oil for Food program because Iraq has successfully closed out remaining contracts and the Council has ended the development fund for Iraq effective June 30, 2011, due to the steps Iraq has taken toward resolving debts and claims inherited from the previous regime and establishing accountable arrangements for transitioning the fund.

We all know that our work on these issues is not complete.  We urge Iraq’s neighbors and the rest of the international community to continue to work closely with Iraq on its remaining Chapter 7 obligations.  And we strongly support resolution of outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait.

Since President Obama asked me to oversee our administration’s Iraqi policy when we took office, let me assure you that the United States will continue to work with the Iraqi leaders on the important tasks that lie ahead, conducting the census, integrating Kurdish forces into Iraqi security forces, keeping commitments to the Sons of Iraq, resolving disputed internal boundaries in the future of Kirkuk, passing critical hydrocarbon legislation and a fiscally responsible budget, and helping to stabilize its economy.

We must also continue our efforts to protect and support those displaced by war, and to help enable voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns.

Today, as we take stock of all the Iraqi people have endured and accomplished, and all that still must be done, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Iraq is on the cusp of something remarkable - something remarkable - a stable, self-reliant nation; a just, representative and accountable government; and a positive force for peace and stability in the region.  We all have an interest in redeeming that promise and preserving the gains Iraq has made.

I thank you all for listening.  I shall now invite the distinguished Secretary General to take the floor.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 15, 2010

Fact Sheet: UN Security Council High Level Meeting on Iraq

Today marks an important milestone in the restoration of Iraq’s normalized ties to the international community.  The UN Security Council, in a special session chaired by Vice President Biden, took significant steps to return Iraq to the legal and international standing it held prior to the 1990 invasion of Kuwait with the passage of three resolutions.  Additionally, the Security Council issued a Presidential statement reaffirming the Security Council’s commitment to Iraq and support for UNAMI, welcoming Iraqi progress and reintegration into the region, and encouraging Iraq and all regional states to deepen and broaden their relationships.

With today’s action by the Security Council the United States and the international community are keeping their commitments to the Government and the people of Iraq. The resolutions adopted today by the Security Council will lift several longstanding Chapter VII restrictions on Iraqi trade and activity. 

The three Security Council resolutions passed today are Resolution 1956, which terminates the UN supervised arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq on June 30, 2011; Resolution 1957 which ends restrictions related to civilian nuclear cooperation placed on Iraq after the first Gulf War; and Resolution 1958, which ends the residual activities of the Oil for Food program. 

Despite hardships, Iraq has made tremendous progress over the past few years and today is a far safer, more secure, and economically stable country. The United States urges Iraq’s neighbors and the international community to work closely with Iraq to resolve remaining outstanding Chapter VII issues, particularly outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait.

Resolution 1956 – Development Fund for Iraq Resolution

  • Resolution 1956 formally terminates the arrangements established in 2003 for the Development Fund for Iraq on June 30, 2011, as a result of Iraq’s progress towards resolving debts and claims inherited from the previous regime and establishing accountable successor arrangements for the transition of the Fund. 
  • Arrangements for the DFI were originally established in UNSCR 1483 to accumulate all proceeds from the export sales of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas in Iraq until such time as an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq had been properly constituted. 
  • The passage of this resolution indicates that the Council believes that significant progress has been made in establishing post-DFI, Iraqi-managed successor arrangements and the strengthening of Iraqi institutions, and that in light of this progress, the DFI arrangements will end on June 30, 2011.

Resolution 1957 – Weapons of Mass Destruction Resolution

  • Resolution 1957 lifts the restrictions imposed by UNSCRs 687 and 707 relating to weapons of mass destruction and civilian nuclear activities.  The Security Council has taken this step in recognition of Iraq’s commitment to the international non-proliferation regime, its compliance with relevant treaties, its adherence to the highest non-proliferation standards, and its provisional application of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pending its entry into force. 
  • Iraq affirmed in January 2010 to the UNSC by letter that it will support the international non-proliferation regime and comply with relevant disarmament treaties and other international instruments.  The IAEA expressed in a March 2010 letter from IAEA Director General Amano to the UN Security Council President that it has received excellent cooperation from Iraq. 
  • In 2009 and 2010, Iraq also acceded to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, and subscribed to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.  The resolution lifting Iraq’s civilian nuclear restrictions reflects this record of progress.     
  • Iraq will remain under certain restrictions as a result of their commitments under the NPT and the CWC, however, the most significant result of lifting these restrictions will be the removal of the international stigma associated Iraq being subject to these Security Council Resolutions.
  • However, Iraq will also now have the freedom to pursue a wider array of civil nuclear activities. 

Resolution 1958 – Oil-for-Food Resolution

  • Resolution 1958 terminates the residual activities of the Oil-For-Food program in recognition of Iraq’s success in closing out remaining contracts under the program. 
  • In recent months, the UN Controller’s Office has worked with the Central Bank of Iraq and BNP Paribas to pay remaining contracts.  With the closure of the OFF program, approximately $650 million in remaining funds will be returned to the Government of Iraq. 

TEXT OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON IRAQ
 
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and emphasizes the importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people, the region, and the international community.

The Security Council supports the inclusive political process and power-sharing agreement reached by Iraq’s leaders to form a representative national partnership government that reflects the will of the Iraqi people as displayed by the parliamentary election of 7 March 2010.  We encourage its leaders to continue to pursue a federal, democratic, pluralistic and unified Iraq based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. 

The Security Council reaffirms the need to combat all forms of terrorism and that no terrorist act can reverse a path towards peace, democracy, and reconstruction in Iraq, which is supported by its people, the Government of Iraq, and the international community.

The Security Council welcomes the positive developments in Iraq and recognizes that the situation now existing in Iraq is significantly different from that which existed at the time of the adoption of resolution 661 (1990).  Consistent with resolution 1859 (2008), the Security Council also welcomes the important progress Iraq has made in regaining the international standing it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661 (1990). In recognition of Iraq’s progress in supporting the international non-proliferation regime and complying with disarmament treaties and other relevant international instruments, its commitment to taking additional steps in this regard, and its provisional application of the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), pending its ratification, the Security Council has adopted resolution 1957 which lifts the restrictions imposed by resolutions 687 and 707 relating to weapons of mass destruction and civilian nuclear activities.  In recognition of Iraq’s success in closing out remaining contracts in the Oil-for-Food program, the Council has also adopted resolution 1958 to terminate the residual activities of the Oil-For-Food program.  And in recognition of Iraq’s progress towards the establishment of effective and accountable successor arrangements for the transition of the Development Fund for Iraq, the Security Council has adopted resolution 1956 which terminates arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq on June 30, 2011. Welcoming the progress made by the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait towards the resolution of the outstanding issues between both countries, and encouraging their further cooperation, the Security Council calls on Iraq to quickly fulfill its remaining obligations under the relevant Chapter VII Security Council resolutions pertaining to the situation between Iraq and Kuwait.

The Security Council welcomes Iraq’s reintegration into the region and encourages Iraq and all regional states to deepen and broaden their relationships and to conduct those relationships in a spirit of partnership and cooperation.  

The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in advising, supporting, and assisting the Iraqi people and Government to strengthen democratic institutions, advance inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation, facilitate regional dialogue, aid vulnerable groups, strengthen gender equality, promote the protection of human rights, including through the establishment of the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, promote the protection of affected civilians, including children, women and members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and promote judicial and legal reform.

The Security Council commends UNAMI, headed by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, for its support throughout the electoral process, consistent with its mandate. 

The Security Council encourages UNAMI’s continued work, in coordination with the Government of Iraq, to provide protection and help create conditions conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and in particular, the sustainable return of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, and stresses the importance of further attention to this issue by all concerned.

The Security Council underscores UNAMI’s important role in supporting the Iraqi people and Government to promote dialogue, ease tension, and encourage a negotiated political agreement to the nation’s disputed internal boundaries, and calls upon all relevant parties to participate in an inclusive dialogue to this end.

 
TEXT OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1956

Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Gabon, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America

           The Security Council,

           Noting the letter from the Prime Minister of Iraq to the President of the Security Council, dated 8 December 2010, which is annexed to this resolution,

           Recognizing the positive developments in Iraq and that the situation now existing in Iraq is significantly different from that which existed at the time of the adoption of resolution 661 (1990), recognizing that Iraqi institutions are strengthening, and further recognizing the importance of Iraq achieving international standing equal to that which it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661 (1990),

           Welcomes the letter from the Prime Minister of Iraq which reaffirms the commitment by the Government of Iraq not to request any further extensions of the Development Fund for Iraq arrangements; and recognizing that the letter from the Prime Minister of Iraq also reaffirms the commitment by the Government to ensure that oil revenue would continue to be used fairly and in the interests of the Iraqi people, and that transition arrangements would be in keeping with the constitution and with international best practices in respect of transparency, accountability and integrity,

           Recognizing the significant role of the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board, and the provisions of paragraphs 20 and 22 of resolution 1483 (2003) in helping the Government of Iraq to ensure that Iraq’s resources are being used transparently and accountably for the benefit of the Iraqi people, and stressing also the need for Iraq to finalize transition to successor arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board.

           Acting under chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

           1.       Decides to terminate, on 30 June 2011, the arrangements established in paragraph 20 of resolution 1483 (2003) for depositing into the Development Fund for Iraq proceeds from export sales of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and the arrangements referred to in paragraph 12 of resolution 1483 (2003) and paragraph 24 of resolution 1546 (2004) for the monitoring of the Development Fund for Iraq by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board and further decides that, subject to the exception provided for in paragraph 27 of resolution 1546 (2004), the provisions of paragraph 22 of resolution 1483 (2003) shall continue to apply until that date, including with respect to funds and financial assets and economic resources described in paragraph 23 of that resolution;

           2.       Welcomes and affirms the Government of Iraq’s decision not to request any further extensions of the Development Fund for Iraq arrangements; and further decides this is the final extension of the Development Fund for Iraq arrangements;

           3.       Decides that after 30 June 2011, the requirement established in paragraph 20 of UNSCR 1483 (2003) that all proceeds from export sales of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas from Iraq be deposited into the Development Fund for Iraq shall no longer apply, and affirms that the requirement established in paragraph 21 of UNSCR 1483 (2003) that 5 percent of the proceeds from all export sales of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas shall be deposited into the compensation fund established in accordance with resolution 687 (1991), and subsequent resolutions, shall continue to apply, and further decides that 5 percent of the value of any non-monetary payments of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas made to service providers shall be deposited into the compensation fund, and that unless the Government of Iraq and the governing council of the United Nations Compensation Commission, in the exercise of its authority over methods of ensuring that payments are made into the compensation fund, decide otherwise, the above requirements shall be binding on the Government of Iraq;

           4.       Calls upon the Government of Iraq to work closely with the Secretary-General to finalize the full and effective transition to a post-Development Fund mechanism by or before 30 June 2011, which takes into account IMF stand-by arrangement requirements, includes external auditing arrangements and ensures that Iraq will continue to meet its obligations as established in the provisions of paragraph 21 of resolution 1483 (2003); further requests that the Government of Iraq provide a written report to the council no later than 1 May 2011 on progress towards the transition to a post-Development Fund mechanism;

           5.       Directs the transfer of the full proceeds from the Development Fund for Iraq to the Government of Iraq’s successor arrangements account or accounts and the termination of the Development Fund for Iraq no later than 30 June 2011 and requests written confirmation to the Council once the transfer and termination are completed;

           6.       Requests the Secretary-General to provide written reports on an ongoing basis to the council every six months, with the first report due no later than 1 January 2012, about the United Nations compensation fund, evaluating the continued compliance with the provisions of paragraph 21 of resolution 1483 (2003);

           7.       Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
 
TEXT OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1957

Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Gabon, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America

           The Security Council,

           Recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Iraq,

           Recalling the statement of its President of 26 February 2010 which welcomed Iraq’s progress on compliance with non-proliferation and disarmament commitments,

           Recognizing the importance of Iraq achieving international standing equal to that which it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661,

           Welcoming the letter sent by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq on 18 January 2010 which confirms that the Government of Iraq supports the international non-proliferation regime and complies with disarmament treaties and other relevant international instruments and is committed to taking additional steps in this regard to comply with non-proliferation and disarmament standards, and has also committed to inform the Security Council, IAEA and other relevant agencies on progress made towards implementing those measures in accordance with the Government of Iraq’s constitutional and legislative procedures and in compliance with international norms and obligations,

           Welcoming the 11 March 2010 letter sent by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which notes that the Agency has been receiving excellent cooperation from Iraq in the implementation of its comprehensive safeguards agreement, and proceeding on the basis of the Government of Iraq’s decision to provisionally apply, as of 17 February 2010, the Additional Protocol to its safeguards agreement pending the Protocol’s entry into force,

           Welcoming Iraq’s accession to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, becoming the 186th State party on 12 February 2009,

           Welcoming that Iraq has subscribed to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, becoming the 131st state to do so on 11 August 2010,

           Welcoming that Iraq signed in 2008 the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and that the Additional Protocol is currently before Parliament for approval, as is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and welcoming that Iraq has agreed to apply the Additional Protocol provisionally, pending ratification,

           Reaffirming the importance of the ratification by Iraq as soon as possible of the Additional Protocol,      

Acting under Chapter VII of the Chapter of the United Nations,

           1.       Decides to terminate the weapons of mass destruction, missile, and civil nuclear-related measures imposed by paragraphs 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 of resolution 687 (1991) and paragraph 3 (f) of resolution 707 (1991); and as reaffirmed in subsequent relevant resolutions;

           2.       Urges Iraq to ratify the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty as soon as possible;

           3.       Decides also to review in one year’s time progress made by Iraq on its commitment to ratify the Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and meet its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council in this regard;

           4.       Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
 
TEXT OF SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1958

Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Gabon, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America

           The Security Council,

           Recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Iraq, in particular resolutions 986, 1472, 1476, 1483, and 1546, and the Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 1859 (2008),

           Recalling the need for the “Oil-for-food” Program (hereinafter “the Program”) established under resolution 986 (1995) as a temporary measure to provide for the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people,

           Recognizing the importance of Iraq achieving international standing equal to that which it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661,

           Recognizing the importance of the activities of the Secretary-General’s High-Level Coordinator’s office established pursuant to resolution 1284 (1999),

           Recalling the Secretary-General’s letter, dated 8 December 2010 and the Note attached thereto, S/2010/619, the third report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 3 of resolution 1905 (2009), S/2010/563, and the third quarterly report of the Government of Iraq pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 1905 (2009), S/2010/567,

           Noting the letter from the Government of Iraq to the President of the Security Council, dated 6 December 2010,

           Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

           1.       Requests the Secretary-General to take all actions necessary to terminate all residual activities under the Program, noting that all letters of credit with outstanding claims of delivery, listed in Annex 1 to the Secretary-General’s Note, dated 8 December 2010, S/2010/619, have expired according to their terms and that no confirmation of arrival will be provided by the Government of Iraq and are closed for all purposes under the Program, including for purposes of transferring the funds associated with such letters of credit from the collateral portion of the Iraq Account to the non-collateral portion of the Iraq Account, without prejudice to any rights or claims that the suppliers with claims of delivery may have for payment, or otherwise, against the Government of Iraq under their respective commercial contracts with the Government of Iraq;

           2.       Notes the Government of Iraq’s provision of certificates of arrival on file with the United Nations as of 15 December 2010, for which payment has not been effected either as a result of the advising bank not being able to locate the relevant beneficiaries or as a result of the beneficiary not providing requisite documentation, as referenced in the Secretary-General’s Note, dated 8 December 2010, paragraphs 11 and 12 and Annexes II and III, and calls upon the Government of Iraq to provide without delay direct payment if contacted by the beneficiaries or its representatives;

           3.       Authorizes the Secretary-General to establish an escrow account for the purposes of paragraphs 4 and 5 of this resolution, to appoint independent and certified public accountants to audit it, and to keep the Government of Iraq fully informed;

           4.       Authorizes the Secretary-General to ensure that 20 million United States dollars of the Iraq Account are retained in the escrow account until 31 December 2016, exclusively for the expenses of the United Nations related to the orderly termination of the residual activities of the Program, including the Organization’s support to member State investigations and member State proceedings related to the Program, and the expenses of the high-level coordinator’s office created pursuant to resolution 1284 and further requests that all remaining funds are to be transferred to the Government of Iraq by 31 December 2016;

           5.       Authorizes the Secretary-General to ensure that up to 131 million United States dollars of the Iraq Account are retained in the escrow account for the purpose of providing indemnification to the United Nations, its representatives, agents, and independent contractors for a period of six years with regard to all activities in connection with the Program since its inception, and further requests that all remaining funds are to be transferred to the Government of Iraq by 31 December 2016;

           6.       Authorizes the Secretary-General to facilitate the transfer as soon as possible of all funds remaining, beyond those retained for the purposes of paragraphs 4 and 5, from the Iraq Account created pursuant to paragraph 16 (d) of resolution 1483 (2003) to the Development Fund of Iraq;

             7.       Requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary actions to ensure the effective implementation of this resolution and to enter into all necessary implementing arrangements or agreements as soon as possible with the Government of Iraq:

           (a)      to provide appropriate indemnification, as referenced in paragraph 5, to the United Nations, its representatives, agents, and independent contractors, with regard to all activities in connection with the Program since its inception and

           (b)      to provide for a waiver of any future claims the Government of Iraq may have against the United Nations, its representatives, agents, and independent contractors with regard to all activities in connection with the Program since its inception, as referenced in paragraphs 19, 20, and 21 in S/2008/492, and requests him to report to the Council when he has done so;

           8.       Requests the Secretary-General to report and provide analysis to the Council on the usage and expenditure of the escrow account referenced in paragraphs 4 and 5 on an annual basis, the first no later than 31 March 2012, with the final report occurring three months after the transfer of any remaining funds retained for the purposes of paragraphs 4 and 5 to the Government of Iraq by 31 December 2016, unless otherwise authorized by the Security Council;

        9.      Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2010

Readout of the Vice President and National Security Advisor’s Meeting with General Austin

Vice President Biden and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon met today with General Lloyd Austin III, Commanding General of the United States Forces-Iraq (USF-I), to review political and security developments in Iraq.  They discussed the progress Iraq has made toward providing for its own security. Tomorrow, the Vice President will chair a United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on Iraq, the purpose of which is to recognize and reinforce the tremendous progress that the Republic of Iraq has made and to discuss ways in which Members can continue to support Iraq’s government and people.  On Friday at the White House, the Vice President will chair his monthly Principals meeting on Iraq.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
December 13, 2010

Statement from the Vice President on Richard Holbrooke

Today, I lost a great friend and America lost one of its greatest warriors for peace. Richard Holbrooke was a larger than life figure, who through his brilliance, determination and sheer force of will helped bend the curve of history in the direction of progress. He touched so many lives and helped save countless more.  He was a tireless negotiator, a relentless advocate for American interests, and the most talented diplomat we’ve had in a generation.  Jill and I will miss him tremendously and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Kati and the entire Holbrooke family during their time of grief.