Hyde Comments on New Reports of Corruption at United Nations

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- "In response to new allegations of corruption involving the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs, U.S. Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-Ill.), chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, issued the following remarks:

'I am aware of new reports of corruption and cronyism within the United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UN office in question is, in theory, responsible for promoting effective public administration and good governance.'

'The UN has a history of building scandals on top of its scandals. Mismanagement thrives under poor oversight, which is then often lost under attempted cover-ups. The UN oversight authorities must engage in a full investigation of DESA's wrongdoing. The UN can regain credibility and curb future scandals, not with bureaucratic maneuvering intended to obfuscate its shortcomings, but with transparent investigations that hold violators of the public trust responsible for their misconduct.'

'I urge Ambassador Bolton's successor, as well as the members of the 110th Congress, to continue comprehensive oversight of the UN to ensure that the UN's role in the world's future is marked more by contribution than scandal.' "

Funny, but I don't recall Koffi Annan mentioning this detail in any of his speeches during his whirlwind "I'm-almost-gone-but-I-still-have-time-to-bash-the-US tour."