UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- More than 2,700 staff members of the U.N. Secretariat have signed a letter expressing their support for U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The show for support comes at a time when Annan and the organization has faced allegations about its integrity in handling of the Iraq Oil-for-Food Program.
"More than ever, we support the secretary-general in his balanced, fair and substantive approach," said a letter circulated in recent days through the U.N.'s internal e-mail system.
"We also express our determination to continue to improve the workings and effectiveness of this organization," it said. "We can make the case for the United Nations and be resolute, while remaining true to our mission around the world -- dedication to peace and development."
The letter was the latest expression of support by U.N. workers for Annan, coming on the heels of resolutions adopted last week by U.N. union leaders in Geneva, New York and Vienna voicing "full confidence" in the secretary-general.
Since the earlier endorsement it was learned his son was receiving payments from an oil-for-food contractor much longer than originally the firm had said he was receiving a "no-compete" stipend.
