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Ban affirms "no tolerance" for any corruption at UN

NEW YORK, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon requested the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to launch an audit of the interaction between the UN and the Global Sustainability Foundation and the Sun Kian Ip Group, and the use of any funds received from these entities.
In light of the recent accusations announced by US federal authorities, Ban expressed in a statement, issued by his spokesman's office today, that he is concerned about the serious nature of the allegations, which go to the heart of the work of the United Nations and its Member States.
The UN chief reaffirmed in his statement "that there will be no tolerance for any corruption at the United Nations or in the name of the United Nations." He is committed to ensuring that funds received from such private entities were handled properly according to relevant UN rules and regulations, the statement noted.
Earlier this week, Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda, who served as President of the UN 68th General Assembly in 2013-2014, and four other were accused in federal court in connection with a multi-year scheme to pay more than USD 1.3 million in bribes to the top diplomat, in exchange for "official actions" in his capacity as UNGA President and Antiguan government official in support of Chinese business interests. (end) mao.hb