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UN Announces Shake-Up To Spur Reform Effort


United Nations, 3 January 2005 (RFE/RL) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has announced a management shake-up to help the United Nations carry through reforms at a time when its image and relations with Washington have suffered.

Annan launched the change today by appointing the administrator of the UN Development Program, Mark Malloch Brown, as his new chief of staff to replace Iqbal Riza, who has occupied that position for seven years. Annan signaled more changes were coming.

"I do intend to make further changes, changes that will affect senior people already in the building and maybe some who are outside headquarters so this is a first in a series of changes or reshuffle that may happen," Annan said.

Malloch Brown told reporters he would play a role in improving the UN's image and outreach to the media. The organization has come under intense criticism in the past year for its management of Iraq's oil-for-food program and handling of claims of corruption.

Malloch Brown said the demands for UN coordination of the massive tsunami relief effort also could spur a "transformative moment" for the organization as it embarks on reforms.
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