At UN on Syria, Annan Expected in NY Wednesday, Stonewall on How Paid, Pensions

By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, February 27 -- Last week the UN announced that former Secretary General Kofi Annan would be its special envoy to Syria, jointly with the Arab League. But on Monday, UN deputy spokesman Eduardo Del Buey said he had no information when Annan might come to New York, or get started.

Minutes later, Inner City Press and another media were told by a senior UN official that Annan is expected on Wednesday, and appointments are being set up for him on March 1 and 2. There: was that so difficult?

Even easier for the UN to have answer was a question Inner City Press sent to Del Buey and lead spokesman for Ban Ki-moon Martin Nesirky on Friday morning:

What will Kofi Annan's status be as special envoy? Will he receive a UN salary (on top of his two concurrent UN pensions)? How is Mr. Annan's mission to be funded? Will payments be made directly to Annan or through a third party?

Inner City Press had asked for an answer before Friday's noon briefing, but none came. Then on Monday, Inner City Press asked the question again, and there was still no answer. And this is the transparent UN? Watch this site.

Footnote: Likewise, after Inner City Press asked Del Buey on Friday about reported attacks in Darfur, Del Buey "inserted into the transcript," without any other notice, that "UNAMID has received reports of this incident and has dispatched a verification patrol to the area. The Spokesperson’s Office is awaiting updates."

But on Monday, three days later -- work days in Sudan -- Del Buey flipped through his thin folder and said, "I have nothing on that." When Inner City Press asked about fighting in Jau in Southern Kordofan, Del Buey said, we don't have access to Jau, so no comment. But does the UN, while speaking, have access to Homs?