               United Nations                                                                    S/RES/1538 (2004)
               Security Council                                                Distr.: General

                                                                               21 April 2004




               Resolution 1538 (2004)
               Adopted by the Security Council at its 4946th meeting, on
               21 April 2004

                    The Security Council,
                     Expressing the desire to see a full and fair investigation of efforts by the
               former Government of Iraq, including through bribery, kickbacks, surcharges on oil
               sales, and illicit payments in regard to purchases of humanitarian goods, to evade
               the provisions of resolution 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990 and subsequent relevant
               resolutions,
                     Concerned by public news reports and commentaries that have called into
               question the administration and management of the Oil-for-food Programme
               (hereinafter the Programme) established pursuant to resolution 986 (1995) of 14
               April 1995 and subsequent relevant resolutions, including allegations of fraud and
               corruption,
                    Affirming that any illicit activity by United Nations officials, personnel and
               agents, as well as contractors, including entities that have entered into contracts
               under the Programme, is unacceptable,
                     Emphasizing the importance of full cooperation with the independent highlevel inquiry by all United Nations officials and personnel, the Coalition Provisional
               Authority, Iraq, and all other Member States,
                     Affirming the letter of its President of 31 March 2004 welcoming the
               Secretary-General’s decision to create an independent high-level inquiry to
               investigate the administration and management of the Programme and taking note of
               the details relating to its organization and terms of reference,
                    1.    Welcomes the appointment of the independent high-level inquiry;
                     2.   Calls upon the Coalition Provisional Authority, Iraq, and all other
               Member States, including their national regulatory authorities, to cooperate fully by
               all appropriate means with the inquiry;
                    3.    Looks forward to receiving the inquiry’s final report;
                    4.    Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.




04-31733 (E)
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