Senators Criticize U.N.'s Ban on Testimony in Iraqi Oil Inquiry

[stevedeshazer]

By JUDITH MILLER

Published: February 16, 2005

<snip>

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 - The leaders of the Senate investigations subcommittee criticized the United Nations on Tuesday for failing to provide access to its officials and documents for the panel's inquiry into the oil-for-food aid program in Iraq.

In a hearing on the case, the subcommittee's ranking members - Senators Norm Coleman, Republican of Minnesota, and Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan - complained in particular that Dileep Nair, a Singaporean who supervises the United Nations' auditing office, had not been permitted to testify.

Senator Coleman, an outspoken critic of the former Iraq aid program and of Secretary General Kofi Annan, also called on Mr. Annan to lift diplomatic immunity from Benon V. Sevan, who ran the program.

The Senate panel has accused Mr. Sevan of personally profiting from illegal oil exports through the program. An independent investigation commissioned by Mr. Annan and led by Paul A. Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, found Mr. Sevan had conflicts of interest but stopped short of saying he had illicitly profited. Mr. Sevan has denied any wrongdoing.

more: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/16/international/16nations.html

[Wwagsthedog]

1. Judith Chalabi, 'er Miller, still has a job? nt

[stevedeshazer]

2. They're both making an unfortunate comeback.

:eyes:

[Canuckistanian]

3. Somebody better come up with some actual proof

This whole scandal has only been accusations and finger pointing. I think the worst that has been proven is that a few companies overcharged.
Until I see a dollar amount directly connected to an individual, I'm declaring this a hoax.

[stevedeshazer]

4. It's a new take on an old take

Now that more of the public has become aware of the MISSING $9 BILLION in CA$H, it's important for Dame Judith to trot out "oil-for-food" one more time before she is frog-marched out of the NYT offices.

[sasquatch]

5. Senator Coleman, SHUT THE FUCK UP!!

You guys fucked so deal with it.