Annan orders probe of U.N. office

""NEW YORK -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, reacting to an article in The Washington Times, asked U.N. investigators yesterday to look into claims of fraud, favoritism and intimidation inside the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The DESA division, responsible for promoting accountability and good governance in member states, has used contributions from the Italian government to fund duplicative programs and unnecessary consultants, many of which benefit Italy or its nationals, The Times reported.

The story also said the department had made unusual use of contractors and taken relevant information off its Web site after reporters began asking questions. It said DESA staffers have complained about intimidation.

"The secretary-general's office has asked [the Office of Internal Oversight Services] to look into allegations raised this morning in the press," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Mr. Annan. He refused to specify which areas Mr. Annan is concerned about."

Tentando salvar a pele antes de deixar o cargo, sr. Annan? Entendo seu gesto, mas parece-me inútil. Seu mandato já está irrevogavelmente manchado pelos escândalos do programa "Petróleo por Alimentos" e pela omissão onusiana nas massacres de Ruanda-Burundi e Srebrenica.

!Adiós,muy buenas, seños Annan! Já vais tarde!