UN security chief quits

The head of the United Nations security resigns after the department draws severe flak from an independent inquiry for security lapses which led to the December car bombing of its facilities in Algiers that killed 17 UN staff.

The head of the United Nations security has resigned after the department drew severe flak from an independent inquiry for security lapses which led to the December car bombing of its facilities in Algiers that killed 17 UN staff.

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The step by Under-Secretary-General for Security and Safety Sir David Veness came as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced setting up of a group to examine whether any United Nations staff should be held individually accountable the deadly terrorist attack by al Qaeda.

Ban told UN staff in a letter that he was establishing the follow-up group in response to a recommendation issued by the Independent Panel on Safety and Security of UN Personnel and Premises Worldwide, created in the wake of the Algiers bombings.

The Panel's report also discusses the reasons for the UN facilities coming under attack by Islamic terrorists, stressing that its agenda is seen by the attackers as pro western and anti Muslim.

Whatever the reasons, the UN is not seen impartial, it said.

Putting in his papers, Veness said he would shoulder full responsibility for any security lapse that may have occurred concerning the deadly terrorist attack.

"I am grateful to Sir David Veness for his high sense of devotion to duty and strong professional motivation," Ban said.