Message Board

Is the US acting as a sole superpower by snubbing UN? Post your views

United Nations: In the first major fallout of the deadly bombing of United Nations Baghdad Headquarters, two top officials of the world body, including its Global Security Co-ordinator, were sent on leave as a four-member team began investigations to fix the responsibility for lack of precautions despite highly charged atmosphere in Iraq.

Though a UN spokesman maintained that they had sought to be relived of their duties for the duration of investigations, diplomats and officials said that they had no other choice.

The investigation team, appointed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is charged with determining "accountability at all managerial levels at headquarters (in New York) and in field."

Sent on leave till at least mid-January are Security Co-ordinator Tun Myat of Myanmar and acting head of the UN mission in Iraq Lopes da Silva of Portugal who was responsible for security at the time of bombing.

The Aug 19 bombing of the Baghdad headquarters killed 22 people including head of the mission Sergio Vieira de Mello who was with the mission for a short duration. Silva took over after de Mello was killed.

PTI