UNITED NATIONS, Dec 22: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday accepted the resignation of his chef de cabinet, Iqbal Riza, effective on January 15.
"It is with very mixed emotions that I have accepted the long-standing request of my chef de cabinet, Mr Iqbal Riza, to retire from the services of the United Nations effective 15 January 2005," Mr Annan said in a statement.
Mr Riza, a Pakistani, whose son's appointment at the UN mission in Lebanon came under intense scrutiny at the world body as Iraq's oil-for-food scandal unfolded along with allegations of nepotism in the organization.
The powerful UN staff union had raised the issue in recent weeks among charges of unfair promotions and transfers. Mr Annan, has since met with the union leaders to asses their complaints.
In his statement Mr Annan noted, "Since 1978, Mr Riza has served gallantly the United Nations in various capacities at Headquarters, as well as in the field. From Iran/Iraq, Nicaragua, El Salvador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the Department of Peace-Keeping Operations (DPKO). He has served as my Chef de Cabinet since 1997 and has always provided me with wise and trusted counsel.
