US - Third World veto leaves UN in budget crisis

The Telegraph reports.

Third world nations have blocked a sweeping United Nations reform package that is backed by the West, in an acrimonious showdown that has left the troubled organisation heading for a budget crisis in June.

Britain and the United States condemned the vote, late on Friday night, that scuttled proposals by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to overhaul the world body in the wake of the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal.

They don't want to lose this cash cow.

Here's what Annan was proposing.

Last month Mr Annan put forward detailed reform plans. He sought more financial oversight, simplified hiring and firing procedures, career planning, staff buyouts, a modern information system and flexibility in assigning staff.

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