Iraq - Annan Forced Into Investigation

Reuters reports that publicity forced Annan into a wide ranging investigation into the UN oil for food scandal.

On the other hand, Goldstone [ South African Judge Richard Goldstone, one of three commissioners heading the probe] acknowledged that the publicity about abuses of the program forced U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to call for a wide-ranging investigation.

"There can be no doubt that it was the increasing publicity ... about allegations of corruption with the oil-for-food program that, I think, forced the secretary-general's hand," he said.

I bet Annan hates Claudia Rosett.

It's interesting how Reuters characterizes Alexander Yakovlev.

It also accused a procurement official, Alexander Yakovlev, a Russian, of accepting bribes of about $1 million for contracts he negotiated, most of them outside of the program.

Yakovlev pleaded guilty yesterday.

Now if they can get Sevan and Yakovlev to turn states evidence on Annan...
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