Wednesday, September 7 2005 10:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: A long-awaited report on the corruption-tainted United Nations (UN) oil-for-food program for Iraq clears UN Chief Kofi Annan of ethical misconduct but faults him for serious management lapses, according to a preface made available yesterday (Sept 6, 2005).

"The reality is that the Secretary General has come to be viewed as chief diplomatic and political agent of the United Nations," the preface of the study by an independent panel said.

"In these turbulent times, those responsibilities tend to be all consuming. The record amply reflects consequent administrative failings."