EU offers support for embattled Annan
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The allegations come as the UN attempts to sell a high profile report on reform of the UN to the organisation’s 191 members (Photo: EUobserver)
The EU has offered its support for the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, amid allegations of misuse of UN funds.
EU leaders followed their invitation for Mr Annan to meet today in Brussels – widely seen as declaration of solidarity with the embattled Secretary General- with fresh statements of support.
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"Kofi Annan can be sure of the EU’s support for him and the for the United Nations", President of European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso said after the meeting.
Republicans in Washington, long sceptical of the UN, have called for Mr Annan to resign.
They accuse Mr Annan of failing uncover billions of dollars in kickbacks and appropriations in the framework of the UN’s "oil for food programme" in Iraq.
The allegations come as the UN attempts to sell a high profile report on reform of the UN to the organisation’s 191 members.
The proposal, set to be discussed at a major summit next September, include reform of the UN Security Council.
Mr Annan said that there would be a full investigation into the alleged appropriation of UN funds under the "oil for food programme" in Iraq.
The investigation "will, and is getting the full cooperation of the UN", said Mr Annan.
