UN chief criticizes UNSCOM for spying on Iraq

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Sunday openly criticized the spying role played by UNSCOM members in Iraq in the interests of the US.

In a statement to the BBC on Sunday, Annan added that this act has inflicted great damages on the UN, saying that this spying role played by UNSCOM members has undermined UNSCOM's work activities and any similar future inspection system.

He asserted that there is evidence of the involvement of UNSCOM members in spying for the interests of the US. He added that what provokes concern is that the US did not deny this matter.

One of UNSCOM's former inspectors, Scott Ritter, has accused Washington of using UNSCOM to get information about Iraq.

Moreover, several member states at the UN Security Council -- including Russia, France and China -- addressed criticism to UNSCOM's chief, Richard Butler over his involvement in spying for Washington, a matter which forces him to resign.