The Volcker Committee issued its Second Interim Report on its U.N. Oil-For-Food investigation today; you can read it here. I haven't read it yet--and, frankly, I probably won't--but you can read Roger Simon's comments on the report here, and Move America Forward's analysis here.

Senator Norm Coleman, who investigated the Oil For Food program as chairman of the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a statement that said in part:

The report of Paul Volcker’s Independent Inquiry Committee has revealed what I concluded many months ago through the initial investigation of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations -- Kofi Annan is responsible for the failed management that resulted in the fraud and abuse of the Oil-for-Food Program.  His lack of leadership, combined with conflicts of interest and a lack of responsibility and accountability point to one, and only one, outcome: His resignation. 

The Volcker Report will show that Kojo Annan lied.  He lied to investigators.  He lied to the public.  And, worse, he lied to his father.  While Kofi Annan may not be responsible for the acts of his son, he is responsible for failing to reveal a serious conflict of interest. Specifically, he permitted the U.N. to give massive contracts to the company that employed his son.  This egregious conflict of interest is simply inexcusable and further damages the credibility of the organization he leads.

In addition, the revelation that the U.N. has agreed to pay the legal fees of Benon Sevan is beyond comprehension.  That the U.N. would pay for his defense, and finance it through the very institution he abused, is immoral and unethical.  In my opinion, there is probable cause to criminally charge Mr. Sevan for his actions.  The fact that the U.N. is reimbursing Mr. Sevan with money that rightfully belongs to the Iraqi people is outrageous.

I firmly believe in the role of a strong and vibrant United Nations in the world.  I have been hopeful that Mr. Annan would put the interests of the U.N. ahead of his personal interest. To date, he has failed to do so. My hope is that the latest findings from Paul Volker will hasten Mr. Annan’s departure.

Posted by John at 02:56 PM  |    |  

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