Today, 34 years ago, on September 19, 1991 (August 12, 1991) the Security Council passed a resolution allowing Iraq to replace food with oil. On September 19, 1991, the Security Council today passed Resolution 712, allowing Iraq to sell $1.6 billion worth of oil and petroleum products over a six-month period to purchase food, medicines and other essential items for civilians and to provide funding to the UN inspection team. The resolution stipulates that $1.6 billion of oil and petroleum products sold by Iraq must be deposited directly into a hedge account set up by the United Nations and managed by the Secretary-General. The resolution also stipulates that Iraq must send out food and medicines purchased under United Nations guidance. The resolution expresses concern about the nutrition and health of Iraqi civilians and the further deterioration