Battle Lines Drawn in U.N. Scandal Book Controversy

A controversial book written by two current and one former employee of the United Nations peacekeeping operations is due to hit bookstores in days. The world body may retaliate by firing the authors.

As reported by NewsMax, the book "Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures" (Miramax Books) has been the focal point of a tug of war between the authors and the world body since galleys of the story surfaced in April.

The book cites numerous instances of drug-taking, wild parties and other sordid actions by U.N. personnel and officials.

U.N. rules prohibit any employee from engaging in outside activities without permission. When the authors requested permission to publish their book, it was denied.

While U.N. chief Kofi Annan has refused to state what action he may take once the book is released, his spokesman Fred Eckhard told NewsMax on Saturday that "the authors have broken staff rules and run the risk of disciplinary action."

Privately, U.N. sources tell NewsMax the world body had decided to simply admonish and warn the authors if they did nothing further to promote the book. If they agree to a promotional tour or conduct interviews with the media, chances are they will be fired.

A brief, unscientific poll taken of U.N. employees by NewsMax showed little sympathy for the authors: "They knew the rules, they broke them and should be punished," explained one U.N. staffer.

Another said: "This book is an embarrassment for all of us. Who are they, what gives them the right to smear the U.N.?"

A spokesman for the U.N.'s Staff Union, Guy Candusso, explained that his group does not plan any intervention to assist the authors against prospective disciplinary actions.

Meanwhile, the "unofficial" line drawn by the United Nations is about to be crossed.

One of the authors (whose identity will not be disclosed) met informally with NewsMax late last week.

The author insisted that the U.N. has refused to say what action may (or may not) be planned against the group.

The author also claimed that if the U.N. has drawn a "line in the sand," it has not been conveyed.

It was revealed in the conversation that formal interviews with the media will take place as early as this week.

The publisher, Miramax, confirmed that formal press interviews are indeed scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Since NewsMax first broke the story in April, The Daily Telegraph (London) and a recent front page report in The Washington Times (May 27, 2004) have appeared on the book saga.

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