UN corruption concerns 'could derail reforms'

UN diplomats say they are concerned that calls for Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s resignation and allegations of widespread corruption in the UN oil-for-food program in Iraq could derail plans for a sweeping reform.

When a blue ribbon panel, after a year’s work, released a report last week on how the world body should tackle wars, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, poverty and other threats, the spotlight should have been on its 101 recommendations.