WASHINGTON, March 29 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network — The following is a statement of counsel to Kojo Annan (Son of UN Secretary-General):
We represent Mr. Kojo Annan and are authorized to make this statement on
his behalf.
Kojo Annan is the son of the UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan. We
refer to the Report of the Independent Inquiry Committee (IIC) into the United
Nations Oil for Food program released today.
Our client is pleased that the IIC Report has found that there was no
affirmative or undue influence of the Secretary General in relation to the
contract awarded to Cotecna in 1998. Our client says, “I have always
maintained that neither myself nor my father exercised any undue influence in
the awarding of the UN Oil for Food inspection contract to Cotecna which has
caused so much controversy. The IIC finding clears both my father and me in
this regard.”
Our client is deeply concerned at any embarrassment the report may cause
his father.
“I deeply regret any embarrassment that the whole Cotecna issue may have
caused my father. I am an independent businessman and I do not represent the
UN or the UN Secretary General. My father has an excellent reputation and his
conduct and integrity has always been impeccable and this report does not
alter that. I admire my father greatly.
Our client cooperated extensively with the IIC, meeting with them at
length. Our client has always been clear that all payments from Cotecna were
entirely proper and none of them have anything whatsoever to do with the UN
Oil for Food Program in relation to Iraq.
Our client believes that the Report is unfair in its criticism of him and
in particular his role with Cotecna, and is currently considering what options
are available to him in relation to the Report.
