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Annan escapes inquiry censure
 Investigators probing the UN oil-for-food programme in Iraq have said that there is insufficient evidence to show Secretary-General Kofi Annan knew of a contract bid by his son's employer. However, the interim report released on Tuesday criticised the UN chief for not determining the exact nature of his son's relationship with a Swiss firm involved in the multi-billion dollar programme. The report also accused the company, Cotecna Inspection SA, and Annan's son, Kojo, of trying to conceal their relationship after the contract was awarded. The conclusion from the report was not the clear vindication that the secretary-general had wanted, though the investigation led by former US Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker did not accuse the world-body chief of corruption or any other wrongdoing. The report concluded that "there is no evidence" that the selection of Cotecna for an inspection contract under the oil-for-food program "was subject to any affirmative or improper influence of the secretary-general in the bidding or selection process". Annan reacted to the finding, saying he would not resign as head of the UN and indicated he would continue to work to push through his ambitious reform plan. Posted by: Fred 2005-03-30 |
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