The U.N. Security Council has voted to end a number of restrictions on Iraq dating back nearly 20 years. On Wednesday, the council approved measures allowing Iraq to develop a civilian nuclear program and formally ending the oil-for-food program that restricted Iraqi purchases of basic goods. Vice President Joe Biden presided over the council’s session.

Vice President Joe Biden: “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.”