UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Two high ranking employees at U.N. World Headquarters in New York have been suspended as a result of the Iraq Oil-for-Food Program investigation.
Based on information contained in last week's interim report of the Independent Inquiry Commission, the United Nations initiated procedures against Undersecretary-General Benon Sevan, who headed the program, and Joseph Stephanides, director of the Security Council Affairs Branch, who was involved in contract allocations.
Both were expected to receive by Wednesday official letters outlining internal charges against them, said chief U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard. They will have two weeks to respond, at which time the administration would take its final decision.
The Monday development marked "only the beginning of a disciplinary procedure, respectful of due process," said Eckhard, adding it was the standard way of proceeding in a disciplinary action. Eckhard said the two were informed last Friday that they had been suspended with pay.
The spokesman said since neither individual has yet had criminal charges filed against them, there was no need to lift immunity.
Eckhard noted however, inquiry committee chairman Paul Volcker has said the investigation of Sevan was continuing.
