MEDIA RELEASE
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
D24
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received the first
substantial payment from the United Nations Compensation Commission
for compensation claims made by Australians following the Gulf
War.
Under the UN Security Council Resolution 986 part of the revenue from
the sale of Iraqi oil is directed by the UN to finance compensation
claims resulting from losses incurred by individuals and corporations
during the Gulf War.
Australia has received US$302,500 from the UN Compensation Commission
(UNCC) to allow the payment of a first instalment of US$2,500 to each
of 121 successful claimants in categories A and C. Category A claims
are for costs associated with individuals' departures from Iraq or
Kuwait. Category C is for individual claims for losses up to
US$100,000.
The Department has mailed letters to all claimants who are to receive
payments from this first instalment.
In preparation for the payment of claims on behalf of the UNCC, the
Department has sought payment information from all claimants.
Claimants who have not yet sent their payment information form to the
Department are asked to do so immediately, so as not to delay the
payment of their compensation. Forms may be faxed to (06) 261
3491.
The Department hopes that all claimants will have received their
payments within two weeks.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened an information
line, (06) 261 2001, which gives claimants access to recorded
information providing updates on the assessment of claims by the UNCC
and on compensation payments.
For more information, Brent Hall (06) 261 2081 or Kirk Coningham
(media) 261 1555
Recorded information: (06) 261 2001.