UN suspends food-vending contractor pending probe into improper activity

A United Nations spokesman today announced the suspension of Eurest Support Services (ESS) as a registered UN vendor which provides food to more than a third of UN peacekeepers worldwide pending the completion of an internal investigation into allegations that the company improperly obtained inside information on a contract for the world body's mission in Liberia.

Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that the decision followed the consideration of several cases related to publicized allegations of unethical or otherwise improper behaviour of certain UN contractors.

Currently, the United Nations has seven contracts with ESS for the provision of food rations to approximately 30,000 troops in seven peacekeeping missions.

"The United Nations intends to issue new tenders as soon as possible for the provision of food rations at various peacekeeping operations," the spokesman said.

Mr. Dujarric reiterated the UN's determination to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy concerning unethical, unprofessional or fraudulent behaviour by its contractors.