The United Nations' image has never been worse, the world body said in a statement Tuesday.
Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor called the news "sobering" during a meeting of the world body's Committee on Information Monday, while stressing he believes the world wants to see the United Nations more fully engaged.
"In other words, people want to see the U.N. do more, not less," Tharoor said.
The United Nations has been criticized during the past two years because of allegations of corruption and mismanagement, along with sexual scandal.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he welcomes the debut of "The Interpreter," a movie filmed inside the United Nations and starring Nicole Kidman. He said he believes the film depicts the world body with "fairness."
"As we in the U.N. have learned, to our cost, everything we do and say is open to interpretation," said Annan.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
