UN accuses former Norwegian peace envoy Solheim of squandering

5 October 2018 01:25 pm - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) Head Erik Solheim, former peace envoy to Sri Lanka, has been accused by UN internal auditors of over spending for his travel.

According to Aftenposten News, auditors found that 4.1 million Norwegian kroner (USD 490,000) had been spent on travelling for 529 days during his first 22 months in office.

The UN internal auditors have requested Solheim pay back part of the money he has spent on his trips. Many of these trips were allegedly made without sufficient documentation from Mr. Solheim.

On two occasions, the 63 year old switched to a more expensive airline, incurring an additional cost of almost 60,000 NOK, according to the auditors.

The issue came to light when a draft report by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on the business travels of Erik Solheim and other senior UNEP staff was released.

The draft was presented to Solheim, who may now respond and put forward possible corrections. A new version will then be prepared at a later time. When the UNEP management responds again, the OIOS will publish the final report.

Solheim, who at the moment is participating in the climate summit in San Francisco, has not commented on the conclusions of the report, stating that it is just a draft document.

“We have responded and refuted a number of mistakes in this draft document. Based on our response the auditors will present a new draft. After we have commented on this draft, they will conclude their final report,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Norwegian source, well acquainted with the UN system, said the UN’s internal oversight services rarely changed the factual information or important recommendations made in the first draft.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 24

Mudson Amerasinghe Friday, 05 October 2018 01:32 PM

Look at the timing of this report by Daily Mirror.When the PM is on an official visit to Norway.

Hiran Gunawardena Friday, 05 October 2018 07:04 PM

Well Erik Solheim lead NORWAY peace keepers are Ranil Wickramasinghes favourites. And we all remember that past how they help LTTE and drag the never ending war untill MR kicked them out of the country

jayt Saturday, 06 October 2018 06:26 AM

These are all work of spies. Everything is computerized india impose provincial system is their major goal, But this time whoever glolBal plotter who is plotting to undermine Singhalese majority should know what lies ahead in European Union

lkboy Friday, 05 October 2018 01:42 PM

No surprise.

Modaya Friday, 05 October 2018 01:47 PM

What else one can expect from Terrorists’ associate?

Sri Skandhakumar Friday, 05 October 2018 01:51 PM

He is a beneficiary of Sri-Lanka war. We can`t imagine how much he has taken from LTTE as bribes.

sailesh Friday, 05 October 2018 02:17 PM

why would they bribe him and what did they get in return.

Mohan Friday, 05 October 2018 06:48 PM

He like all other mainland Europeans had a love affair with the LTTE was because they considered LTTE to be a Catholic outfit.

Ramu Friday, 05 October 2018 01:54 PM

Eric was accused being bribed by Prabakan in various ways,financially,sexually etc though then ,though unable to proved it,during his trips to vanni,this time ranil rushed to Norway to meet him and teach him how to handle situation when got caught even red handed,through his experince from central bank.

Jayt Saturday, 06 October 2018 01:29 AM

Norway did not acted alone. They were ordered by other two groups

Jayt Saturday, 06 October 2018 01:40 AM

I think present government"s lady pm of Norway took action to correct wrongs done by past governments who were influenced by outsiders. Also, we cannot accused general public because they are not allowed to know what western governments do. I am talking about western countries in general and it depends on which country too.

N.Sethu Friday, 05 October 2018 02:00 PM

It is not Erik Solheim's error, it is auditor mistakes... Erik Solheim not working as auditor in UN.

gamini Friday, 05 October 2018 02:19 PM

Hi guys it is only an audit report not a bribery commission report. All DM readers who are happy to read anything negative about Eric should focus more on accountability of our own politicians

Nadarajah Rajendra Friday, 05 October 2018 02:33 PM

He is the one who demanded the LTTE to surrendor to the Srilankan army without any conditions from New DelhiPlease take not of that.RajendraGermany

Lord Wolfstein Friday, 05 October 2018 03:32 PM

To spend not even US$ 1000 travel costs including air tickets per day is cheap for his position. For Sri Lankan politicians US$ 1000 travel costs per day would be peanuts or even cashew nuts.

Upul Friday, 05 October 2018 05:23 PM

This is what you call "DITTA DHAMMA VEDHANEEYA KARMA". This may be due to his income was low after the SL war ended.

Gayan Friday, 05 October 2018 06:10 PM

Chicken coming home to roost. Haha.

Jaliya Friday, 05 October 2018 07:14 PM

I don’t think auditors understand how much does it cost to travel in BIZ or FST Class. Averaging little over 22K / Mo isn’t much for Mr. Solheim’s position and responsibilities. I don’t think someone like him will stay at a three star hotel and eat bread and butter either. UN is a well-funded organization ... what’s the issue ?

Jude Friday, 05 October 2018 11:05 PM

Oh Jaliya, You can't see the Forest because a Tree is Blocking your View!!! Huh!!!

lanka Friday, 05 October 2018 07:41 PM

Solheim should not worry, send the bill to your mates the worldwide LTTE supporting Tamil diaspora!!!!

ravin Friday, 05 October 2018 07:41 PM

Ha !! this is for 22 months. Average 30 days per months 22 x 30 = 660 days. He had travel 529 days. 660 - 529 = 131 days. Out of 131 his holiday? at least 4 sundays per month. 22 x 4 = 88 days. Balance working days 131 - 88= 43 days. Last but least Christmas holidays ? Virtually this guy was not at office for entire period? or ??? Is this type of working approved by International Labour Organisation (ILO)?. Isn't this slave labour? Why not ILO take legal action against UN. .

Rex Kolonne Friday, 05 October 2018 09:15 PM

the underline theme is that Eric loves moneySo he took money from LTTE also girls

Jude Saturday, 06 October 2018 12:18 AM

We Lankans knew all along that Solheim a Crooked Man!! For money he'll stoop to any level that rat bastard!!!

vis8 Saturday, 06 October 2018 06:28 AM

Terror money ..... coming back to haunt those with vested interests. This is karma in action..........

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

UN accuses former Norwegian peace envoy Solheim of squandering

Comments - 24

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident