Annan encouraged that independent Oil-for-Food probe is pressing forward

After meeting with the head of the independent inquiry examining allegations of corruption surrounding the United Nations Oil-for-Food programme, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the thorough work done so far in seeking to determine the truth.

“The Secretary-General is encouraged that the Committee is working diligently on the inquiry and looks forward to receiving its final report,” a UN spokesperson said in a statement following the meeting between Mr. Annan and Paul Volcker, the Chairman of the Independent Inquiry Committee and former head of the United States Federal Reserve Board.

On entering the UN prior to the meeting, the Secretary-General was asked by reporters about the scandal’s impact on the world body. “There is no doubt that the constant campaign has, and the discussions have, hurt the UN,” he said. “That’s why we want to get to the bottom of it and clear it as quickly as possible.”

The Volcker inquiry today released comprehensive tables of companies participating in purchases of Iraqi oil and the sale of goods under the Oil-for-Food programme. According to the Inquiry, 248 companies received and paid for contracts totalling $64.2 billion, while 3,545 companies exported goods to south and central Iraq, receiving payment totalling $32.9 billion. Another 941 companies are identified by name only for exports to northern Iraq.

In a briefing paper accompanying the release of the data, the Inquiry said the investigation has made “substantial progress,” organizing its 65 staff members into specific investigative teams. Scores of witness interviews have been conducted in Europe, the US, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. Committee staff members are continuing to review UN records as well as transactions related to the programme.