[Tiereven]

If the rescue operation is to cost nearly 2x the expected value of the oil, why is the UN still promising the revenue of the oil sale to the warring Yemeni parties that have caused this crisis? It seems that at least the sale price of the oil should go towards it's cleanup.

[justinclift]

That's not really what it says:

    The UN is offering to establish a separate account for the proceeds of the oil
    — and then together with the consent of the parties, we would agree on a list
    of projects to be implemented — building hospitals, building schools

[i_am_jl]

That's exactly what it says:

  This entire salvage operation is expected to cost about $US150 million.

  The UN has been fundraising for several years to fund the exercise and proceeds from the sale of the oil will not be used to cover the cost of the operation.

[justinclift]

The wording of the parent comment sounded like the UN were just going to hand over direct $$$ to the warring groups.

That's clearly not what they're going to do.

The obvious (?) reasoning they're not using the proceeds for the sale to cover the operation cost, is because those same warring parties probably need this "incentive" to allow the operation to go ahead.