Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Powell Says U.S. Is Deeply Concerned About Saddam's Reported Diversion of U.N. Oil-for-Food Money
Associated Press ^ | Mar 20, 2004 | Diana Elias

Posted on 03/20/2004 9:17:14 AM PST by Brian Mosely

KUWAIT CITY (AP) - America is looking into reports that Saddam Hussein diverted money from a U.N. aid program for Iraq, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Saturday during a stopover in Kuwait.

U.S. congressional investigators have charged that Saddam's regime amassed $10 billion through oil smuggling, illegal surcharges and kickbacks from the U.N. oil-for-food program. An Iraqi newspaper has published a list of about 270 former Cabinet officials, legislators, political activists and journalists in about 46 countries suspected of profiting from the scam.

"We are concerned, deeply concerned, that money that was supposed to be going to help the Iraqi people was diverted by Saddam Hussein, once again demonstrating the nature of that regime," Powell told reporters.

"That money was not used for food or health care or clean water," he said. "It was used for palaces and debauchery."

Powell said Washington would assist the investigation that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan proposed Friday.

The oil-for-food program, which ended in November, was set up by the U.N. Security Council to enable the Saddam regime to sell oil on condition that the proceeds were used to buy humanitarian goods for the Iraqi people and pay reparations for the 1991 Gulf War.

Powell spoke at the end of his six-day tour of Asian and Middle East nations. During his hours in Kuwait, he talked with the emir, the foreign minister and the prime minister.

Powell arrived from Saudi Arabia, where he said the United States would help Arab countries move toward democracy, but it has no intention of imposing that system.

While the United States stands ready to help, "each nation has to find its own path and follow that path at its own rate of speed," he said.

Powell said he was encouraged that the Arab League is discussing the possibility of adopting a resolution calling for political reform. He said he had contacted many Arab leaders on what a reform resolution might contain.

AP-ES-03-20-04 1154EST


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: goodbyekofi; goodbyeun; oilforfood; powell; uncrooks

1 posted on 03/20/2004 9:17:15 AM PST by Brian Mosely
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
Well golly gee, maybe he is back on his "MEDS".

I remember when NEWT said there was no accountability for the UN and the STATE DEPARTMENT over this "OIL FOR FOOD" program and Powellies and his cronies said Newt was off his "MEDS".
2 posted on 03/20/2004 9:18:58 AM PST by Just mythoughts
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
That the same UN Kerry wants running things

Somebody should ask him that question or maybe the GOP runs an ad asking that question and headlining this thievery
3 posted on 03/20/2004 9:39:11 AM PST by uncbob
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
This should be the story of the week, yet I don't hear anyone except talk radio and FOX News reporting or commenting onit.
4 posted on 03/20/2004 9:41:17 AM PST by KC_Conspirator (This space outsourced to India)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
I truly hope the Administration pounds and pounds this issue. If the rest of the world wants to harp on WMD, then it is HIGH time to start exposing the hypocrisy of France, Russia, Germany and the UN. Lets shine some light on those countries who John Kerry thinks we need to get consent from before we act.
5 posted on 03/20/2004 9:43:05 AM PST by FlipWilson
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
Powell said Washington would assist the investigation that U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan proposed Friday.

There is some chicanery going on here. This is a setup.

Annan's own son was a major benefactor from the kickbacks, you think Kofi Annan is going to let that be proven??

6 posted on 03/20/2004 9:44:08 AM PST by Wil H
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
Names, businesses, politicos, etc. who benefited from the scandal should be PUBLICIZED and PUBLICIZED OFTEN!! These people/countries should NOT BE PROTECTED by the leftover Clintonistas in the State Dept!!! That is what I am afraid will happen.
7 posted on 03/20/2004 9:47:32 AM PST by whadizit
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely
Powell Says U.S. Is Deeply Concerned About Saddam's Reported Diversion of U.N. Oil-for-Food Money

I thought everyone with an IQ above 2 knew this was going on. This is no surprise.

8 posted on 03/20/2004 9:55:05 AM PST by Mark17
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Just mythoughts
Ask Hillary ck her off shore acct. named Chelsea in the caymens
9 posted on 03/20/2004 10:16:37 AM PST by al baby (Hope I don't get into trouble for this)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Wil H
"Annan's own son was a major benefactor from the kickbacks, you think Kofi Annan is going to let that be proven??"

By funneling Saddam's blood money to Kofi's son, Tojo (an appropriate name), Kofi Annan could keep his hands clean. The UN has had a Nazi war criminal (Waldheim) serve as Secretary-General; now it appears that they have a crooked slimeball running the UN dog-and-pony show.

10 posted on 03/20/2004 11:39:33 AM PST by AF68
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: FlipWilson
"I truly hope the Administration pounds and pounds this issue. If the rest of the world wants to harp on WMD, then it is HIGH time to start exposing the hypocrisy of France, Russia, Germany and the UN. Lets shine some light on those countries who John Kerry thinks we need to get consent from before we act.

Yes, yes and let us also make sure the publicity hits the foreign press from every conceivable angle. Get some of the Iraqui's out in public accusing specific people and specific organizations. You have a wonderful idea.

11 posted on 03/20/2004 11:46:22 AM PST by shrinkermd
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Brian Mosely; All
Cross-link:

-"No Blood for Oil"- Kojo & Kofi: Unbelievable U.N. stories--

12 posted on 03/20/2004 12:33:46 PM PST by backhoe (-30-)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson