United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan is awaiting a formal response from the Security Council on his proposal to launch an inquiry into allegations of fraud and corruption in the UN's former Oil-for-Food Program for Iraq.
In a letter to the Security Council released by the United Nations March 29, Annan said he wants the inquiry to examine the conduct of the United Nations, its contractors, and other entities involved in the administration and implementation of the program.
The secretary-general began discussing the possibility of an inquiry after news media around the world reported allegations of fraud and corruption in the program, including overpricing and kickbacks to UN officials and high-ranking members of Saddam Hussein's regime in order to secure contracts.
UN Under Secretary General Benon Sevan, who headed the program, has been mentioned in news reports as being involved in the scheme to skim billions of dollars from the program, which was set up to aid Iraqi civilians hurt by sanctions.
The program ended in November 2003 with the remaining funds being turned over to the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and Iraqi officials. Annan consulted with the Security Council because he wants to launch a broad investigation into the matter, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said.
The Office of International Oversight Services (OIOS) recently began its own inquiry into the Oil-for-Food Program allegations. The secretary general said he will ask OIOS to end its inquiry and turn over its documents and other materials to the new panel. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
