Posted on 02/22/2005 10:17:23 AM PST by NormsRevenge
GENEVA (AP) - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan told employees of the refugee agency that his acceptance of their chief's resignation should not be interpreted as indicating the official's guilt on sexual misconduct allegations, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
In a letter distributed to the staff of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Annan stressed that Ruud Lubbers has not been found guilty of any offense, U.N. spokeswoman Marie Heuze said.
"My decision to accept his resignation should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt," Annan wrote. "I have accepted his resignation with regret because I greatly appreciate the energy and commitment with which, over the past four years, he has led our collective effort to help some of the world's most unfortunate people.
"There is no more noble task among those assigned to the United Nations, and it is one to which Mr. Lubbers has devoted himself."
Heuze said Annan will decide "as soon as possible" on a replacement for Lubbers, who will remain as high commissioner until that time.
"This is the secretary-general's decision and it's his call," Heuze said.
Lubbers, a former Dutch prime minister who has volunteered his time and paid his own travel and expenses at the agency for the past four years, resigned Sunday in the face of sexual harassment allegations, even though he still maintains his innocence.
Allegations first surfaced last year that Lubbers had made unwanted sexual advances toward a female employee.
Agency department heads wrote Annan expressing regret at Lubbers' resignation, saying Lubbers should be remembered for "tireless determination" to help refugees.
"In addition, Mr. Lubbers has created an environment in which staff at all levels feel at liberty to express their views, however divergent," they wrote in the letter obtained by The Associated Press.
"We hope that all this, rather than the leaked investigation report of a complaint which you found could not be sustained, will be properly appreciated as the legacy of his time as high commissioner."
UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond said the agency was continuing as normal - including in its work in Sudan - despite Lubbers' resignation.
"It's obvious that UNHCR is continuing to work around the world," Redmond said. "The structure is still in place."
Sunday's resignation was a surprise to UNHCR staff, he said.
"We're obviously very concerned about the events of the last week, but I think this is an indication that UNHCR is still out there," Redmond said.
..acceptance of their chief's resignation should not be interpreted as indicating the official's guilt on sexual misconduct allegations..
Senator Packwood should get Lubbers job next.
This UN guy should have spent less time trying to be a "Lubber" and more time being a fighter.
'Lubber', isn't that a species of grasshopper? Kfi has too much time on his hands.
For shame. You made me snicker.
H.R. 1146 will withdraw the USA from the United Nations’ madhouse/cesspool.
Go to: http://www.getusout.org/un/index.html . Then go lobby at http://www.conservativeusa.org/megalink.htm . Email President Bush at president@whitehouse.gov . White House comment line is 202-456-1111.
The United Nations is a corrupt disgrace and it is time for the USA to WITHDRAW from and defund the United Nations. Please tell your senators, congressmen and everyone you know to support H.R. 1146 which would WITHDRAW the USA from the United Nations, prohibit US funds going to the UN and prohibit US troops serving under UN command. H.R 1146 is the American Sovereignty Restoration Act.
The whole mission of the UN is to take power, money and national sovereignty from the USA. Thus the United States must withdraw from and defund the UN, a worthless organization, and if we go, if we are lucky, the whole thing will implode.
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