Former UN envoy questioned over bribe allegations

Former UN envoy questioned over bribe allegations
From Charles Bremner in Paris



A FORMER French Ambassador to the UN was detained yesterday over allegations that he received illicit oil vouchers from Saddam Hussein’s regime under the Oil-for-Food programme that was administered by the UN.

Jean-Bernard Mérimée is the highest-ranking of half a dozen men who have been summoned so far by Judge Philippe Courroye, the head of a three-year-old criminal inquiry into alleged bribes paid by Baghdad to foreign citizens. Five have been notified that they face prosecution in the investigation, which began before the scandal broke over Baghdad’s use of the programme to buy corrupt officials and reward supporters of Saddam’s cause.

M Mérimée, 68, served as French Permanent Representative to the UN from 1991 to 1995, leaving one year before the start of the Oil-for-Food programme to become Ambassador to Italy and then special adviser on European issues to Kofi Annan. His name was among 11 listed in UN documents handed over to Judge Courroye in March.

M Mérimée was held overnight before being questioned by M Courroye, who has broadened his investigation from its original target of illegal commissions allegedly paid by the Total oil group to obtain contracts with Baghdad. M Mérimée is expected to be released after his session with the judge.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,172-1821969,00.html

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