Annan orders probe of U.N. office

NEW YORK — U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, reacting to an article in The Washington Times, asked U.N. investigators yesterday to look into claims of fraud, favoritism and intimidation inside the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The DESA division, responsible for promoting accountability and good governance in member states, has used contributions from the Italian government to fund duplicative programs and unnecessary consultants, many of which benefit Italy or its nationals, The Times reported.

The story also said the department had made unusual use of contractors and taken relevant information off its Web site after reporters began asking questions. It said DESA staffers have complained about intimidation.

“The secretary-general’s office has asked [the Office of Internal Oversight Services] to look into allegations raised this morning in the press,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Mr. Annan. He refused to specify which areas Mr. Annan is concerned about.

On Monday evening, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations transmitted a letter to the U.N.’s chief internal inspector, Inga-Britt Ahlenius, asking OIOS to look into contracting improprieties and reports that staff had been intimidated in an effort to halt leaks.

U.S. officials also have received information that officials within DESA’s in-house human resources department have been destroying documents related to contracts issued by the department in recent years.

“We have become aware of alleged improprieties relating to the award of consulting contracts by the Division for Public Administration and Development Management,” wrote U.S. diplomat Mark Wallace, whose letter was copied to Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown. DPADM is a subdivision within DESA.

“We have also received reports alleging that the DPADM has threatened to retaliate against staff members who have brought this matter to light,” said the letter, which urged OIOS to conduct a “comprehensive review.”

“We consider this an important and urgent matter,” the letter said.

A spokesman said Ms. Ahlenius was traveling but expected back in New York next week.

The Italian government, which has voluntarily contributed some $80 million to DESA over the last four years, has not requested an audit of its funds. The Italian Mission to the United Nations did not respond to calls for comments yesterday.

Sources within the United Nations have described an atmosphere of uncertainty and intimidation inside DPADM, which has been responsible for creating several international programs and centers of dubious value.

“I have no comment beyond what the spokesman said this morning,” said Marie Oveissi, the officer in charge of DESA’s Technical Cooperation Management Services section.

DPADM Director Guido Bertucci did not respond to calls yesterday.

News of the DPADM use of Italian money prompted anger on Capitol Hill.

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