Annan has full confidence in UN human rights chief after US criticism

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has re-affirmed his "absolute full confidence" in United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour after United States' UN Ambassador John Bolton termed as "inappropriate" statements in which she condemned holding prisoners in secret centers or handing them over to third countries.

Annan intends to take up the issue with Bolton "at an early date," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday, adding that the Secretary-General "is confident that she (Ms. Arbour) will carry out her work without being pressed or intimidated" by the US comments.