The resolution first invited the security Council committee established under Resolution 661 to authorise the release by the Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar from the escrow account of the first one-third portion in the United Nations Compensation Commission to finance the purchase foodstuffs, medicines, materials and other supplies for civilian needs.

It called on the Secretary-General and the committee to co-operate with the Government of Iraq to ensure an effective implementation of the current resolution, to enable an equitable distribution to meet humanitarian needs.

The council also decided that petroleum and petroleum products while under the Iraqi title are immune from legal proceedings, calling on the domestic systems of other states assure this protection.

It also stated that the escrow account, the United Nations Compensation Commission, weapons inspectors and other experts all enjoy the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

Resolution 712 was adopted by 13 votes to one against from Cuba, and one abstention from Yemen.