United Nations: Security at the United Nations headquarters in New York is being beefed up following a purported statement from Osama bin Laden offering rewards for targeting top UN and US officials.

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All measures were being taken up to enhance security around Secretary-General Kofi Annan following a purported statement from the al-Qaeda chief, in which he offered 10 kg of gold to anyone killing Annan or other high officials, including body's top envoy in Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi and US civilian administrator Paul Bremer, UN officials said.

They said they were not taking any chances and were strengthening security in consultations with the United States, the host Government.

The 20-minute recording, dated yesterday (May 6, 2004), appeared on two websites known for militant Islamic messages. The voice sounded like that of bin Laden, but its authenticity could not immediately be verified. The statement has criticised the UN as a tool of US-led coalition.

The UN's $ 21 million plan to enhance security includes construction of a new fence, installation of new gates and putting up lighting and surveillance systems to deter unauthorised entry.

The UN is also expected to introduce another layer of security for staff entering the building. Besides physical checking, staff members would be expected to swipe passed to get in and to get out.