Posted on 12/03/2004 11:51:50 AM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) called Kofi Annan (news - web sites) a "good" U.N. secretary-general on Friday, after days in which Washington chose not to defend the diplomat against a U.S. senator's demand he resign.
It was unclear whether Powell's comments signaled genuine support for Annan, under fire over suspected corruption in the U.N.'s now-defunct Iraq (news - web sites) oil-for-food humanitarian program, or simply aimed to soften the widespread impression Washington has no great desire to back the U.N. chief.
"Secretary-General Annan is a good secretary-general," Powell told Reuters in the first positive comment about Annan from a top U.S. official since Sen. Norm Coleman (news, bio, voting record), a Minnesota Republican investigating the program, said he should resign because of the suspected oil-for-food abuses.
Powell, echoing the view of President Bush (news - web sites) -- who avoided any endorsement of Annan this week -- said people should wait until congressional and independent probes of the program are complete before reaching conclusions.
"We are deeply troubled by what happened (with) the oil-for-food program. There can be no question in anyone's mind that the program was corrupted by (former Iraqi leader) Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)," he said.
"These investigations are not of Mr. Annan, they are of the oil-for-food program, so let's wait and see what the results of these investigations are."
Iraqi authorities have released intelligence suggesting Saddam exploited the program through kickbacks and surcharges, earning billions of dollars through his grip on which vendors could buy Iraqi oil and sell goods.
Saddam also used secret oil allocations to reward 1,300 individuals, government officials and political parties from more than 40 countries, according to lists drawn up in Iraq.
Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) is interviewed at the State Department in Washington December 3, 2004. Powell called Kofi Annan (news - web sites) a 'good' U.N. secretary-general, after days in which Washington chose not to defend the diplomat against a U.S. senator's demand he resign. (Shaun Heasley/Reuters)
I wouldn't go so far as saying he lauded him.. more like, let's make sure the noose is good and tight first. ;-)
So Powell says to wait and see the results of the investigation. How is this defending Kofi, Kojo, and the UN?
Powell is a A-Hole!
When is his resignation effective?
Good plan!
So Powell says to wait and see the results of the investigation. How is this defending Kofi, Kojo, and the UN?
Main Stream media at work again!!!!
The Media got the reaction from you that they were aiming for!
Who slipped the DU Kool-aid to Powell?
I don't see it.
Dangle that shiny lure in front of 'em and they bite every time. :)
...and the headlines in a WW2 newspaper read....today President Roosevelt noted his support for Adolf Hitler, amongst allegations that Hitler has committed war crimes, invaded and occupied countries in Europe....Roosevelt has withheld comment until a fair and complete investigation can be conducted....
(give us a break...)
Good riddance Colin. I've worn the same uniform as you but since you've donned the striped pants suit, I have had no use for you.
It would be more troublesome if this had come from the NEW Secretary of State.
Maybe Powell and Annan are hoping to do a book tour together...
Colin has been getting passes since the Point. Stormin' Norman should have Secretary of State. Now there was the real brains behind Desert Storm.
Isn't Powell on his way out the door?
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