U.N.'S OWN PANEL BLASTS 'OIL-FOOD'

New York Post ^ | 1/10/05 | NILES LATHEM

[kattracks]

WASHINGTON — A panel investigating the scandal-plagued Iraqi oil-for-food program has blasted the U.N. for failing to audit thousands of key contracts — allowing Saddam Hussein to skim billions of dollars.

The panel — headed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker — said that the United Nations' auditors never looked into contracts involving the centerpiece of the program, which permitted Saddam to sell oil and use the proceeds for humanitarian supplies. Congressional investigators have estimated that Saddam pocketed $21.3 billion through oil-smuggling schemes and by demanding kickbacks from suppliers of aid.

"More comprehensive monitoring" of the contracts could have prevented the massive rip-off, the U.N.-appointed panel said.

The auditors did look at other elements of U.N. activities in Iraq, and found that billions of dollars were squandered.

[D-fendr]

Good. Now we can expect the needed reforms at the U.N.

[.cnI redruM]

I can think of only one reform that would offer any value. Immediate US withdrawal from the organization.