The headline in the Times is 'SNP Must Tell the Truth in Kofi Annan Affair'. Don't know about you, but I've certainly heard nothing about the Kofi Annan affair.
Here's the outline of the story. Alex Salmond, during a speech on Saturday night, mentioned that Mr Annan will be visiting Scotland as part of the Homecoming and giving a lecture on Robert Burns. The Times was told by Mr Annan's representatives in England - oops Britain - that this is not the case, because Mr Annan is coming to Scotland to deliver a lecture on Adam Smith, at the request of Mr Brown.
The unionist parties are jumping up and down with indignation plus Anne McGuire insists Mr Salmond apologise.
The government's response is:
When The Times contacted Mr Salmond's office asking for clarification we were told by a senior aide: “Everything that was reported in The Times was absolutely accurate.
“Kofi Annan was invited to Homecoming celebrations and Burns celebrations. He was unable to attend this weekend because of prior commitments. He wrote to the First Minister in a letter sent from Geneva on December 18 and said ‘I would like to inform you that I would like to travel to Scotland to deliver a speech later in the year'.”
When The Times pointed out that that response made no mention of Homecoming Scotland or Burns, the aide replied: “It was in the context of the invitation that was extended ... it was clearly in the context of Homecoming.” The aide continued: “We have been dealing with officials at the highest level in Kofi Annan's office in London to discuss the invitation which was extended and dates are being discussed.”
Make copies of the invitation and response available would be my advice to Mr Salmond. It doesn't concern me whether Mr Annan will be gracing us with his presence and support for the Homecoming, but having read the article in full, I detect a whiff of the usual No 10 anti-SNP tactics.
Update (thanks to brownlie) : Kofi Annan gave the Burns Memorial Lecture in New York in 2004 so there is a sound reason why Alex Salmond would invite him to give one here this year. Also why didn't the Times contact the Geneva office which sent the reply? Surely the Times isn't being mischievous, surely not.
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15 comments:
I read this when you fist posted it, but it didn't make sense. I've come back and it still doesn't. It sounds like Westmin trying to manufacture an argument. So what are they trying to cover up?"
Have you read the whole article in the Times? I've just quoted the Scottish government's response.
It seems Kofi Annan's sidekicks have been warned off allowing him to come and do a lecture. Now they're saying he's coming because Brown invited him to do one on Adam Smith.
So, as my conclusion, I said let Alex Salmond show a copy of the invitation he sent and the reply he received.
Does that make more sense?
It actually stinks the whole thing.
Scunnert, it's perhaps one of their dirty tricks to keep Scotland down. You know, a wee word in someone's ear saying 'you shouldn't do that'.
Aye - that makes mair sense. Ah'll go read the Times article noo.
WV = inkies
Cute
I see what you mean. Aye - he's been knobbled. I'd like to see the relevant letters as well - hope the Government makes them public.
At the Burns Memorial Lecture in 2004 Kofi Annan said "Let us admire the enduring resonance of the work of Robert Burns and let us dream as he did of a true brotherhood, and sisterhood that embraces all humankind and allows all people to enjoy their inalienable rights, dignity and freedom".
Sentiments such as these could be interpreted as being critical of, and an embarassment for, the present UK Government so it would hardly be surprising if they preferred him to give a talk on Adam Smith.
"Make copies of the invitation and response available would be my advice"
Good advice and if the snp are unable or unwilling to do so..
Then the only reasonable conclusion would be Alex was being untruthful.
Niko, I would doubt that Alex was being untruthful. Too many folks at that Burns Supper on Saturday (where he made the speech) would only be too delighted to stab him in the back.
Annan's been TOLD - ye're haeing nuthin tae dae wi that Homecoming bash.
I do hope they publish the correspondence though.
The Times is becoming very labour these days, it used to be quite unbiased.
Morning Brownlie, good of you to dig out that quote. I've little time for Kofi Annan and his hangers on but he does seem to be acquaint with the works of Burns.
Why couldn't he do both? That's how he makes his money (plus his other 'interests').
Naw, he's been knobbled as scunnert says. Spineless bloke.
"but I've certainly heard nothing about the Kofi Annan affair."
Is this his and his son's "oil for aid" kickbacks? One of the reasons he resigned and has been rather low profile since.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil-for-Food_Programme
Hello Oldrightie, thanks for that link. I've been looking for exactly that and never thought about wiki.
I can now see why Alex Salmond invited him but Annan's rebuttal (if it was that) wasn't very diplomatic.
I'm afraid I disagree with many others. The man may be part of the 'great' but he's certainly not one of the 'good'. Plus of course the condescending voice... auch I shouldn't get personal.
Im not to sure but i think Annan is to set to appear in Boots new factor 24 suntan cream advert, the guy can't be everwhere at once.!!
Spook, he definitely needs some skincare products - then again which man doesn't!
subrosa
Me!
Brownlie, may I recommend Clinique M Lotion. Not cheap but you get what you pay for - I'd even use it if I was stuck :-)
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