Bush Administration Calls for Accountability in Oil-for-Food Scandal

The Bush administration has stepped up its criticism of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in the ongoing oil-for-food scandal, saying he will have to be held accountable for mismanagement in the program. The criticism comes amid internal audits that have found management lapses in the $64 billion program, which ran from 1996 to 2003. Despite resisting calls for Annan's resignation, the administration's critique suggests a shift in its stance, with Secretary of State Colin Powell stating that the responsibility for the scandal's mismanagement does not rest solely on Annan.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bush administration has criticized U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan for mismanagement in the oil-for-food program, demanding he be held accountable.
• Internal auditors have found management lapses in the $64 billion program, but no corruption among individual U.N. officials.
• Secretary of State Colin Powell praised Annan's service to humanity, but emphasized that responsibility for the scandal's mismanagement rests not only with Annan but also with the U.N. membership, including the Security Council.
• The spotlight on Annan has intensified this week after the release of over 50 internal U.N. audits led by an independent investigation led by Paul A. Volcker.
• The oil-for-food program, worth $64 billion, ran from 1996 to 2003.
• Powell's criticism, coming from an official believed to be most supportive of Annan, suggests a shift in the administration's stance.

Statistics:

• $64 billion: The value of the oil-for-food program from 1996 to 2003.
• 1996-2003: The time period during which the oil-for-food program operated.
• 50+: The number of internal U.N. audits released by Paul A. Volcker's investigation.

Sources:

• "The New York Times"
• Fox News