Former Sri Lanka peace negotiator resigns from UN post

20 Nov, 2018

Former?Sri Lanka peace negotiator Erik Solheim today resigned from his UN post.

Solheim, the UN environment chief resigned after an audit questioning his huge travel expenses triggered an outcry, the Associated Press quoted UN officials as saying.

The former environment minister of Norway had been at the helm of the Nairobi-based UN Environment since June 2016.

A UN audit found that Solheim had spent nearly US$500 million (S$680 million) on travel and that he claimed unjustified expenses at a time when the world body is struggling with shrinking budgets.

His globe-trotting raised accusations that he showed little regard for the environment and efforts to reduce carbon emissions generated by air travel.

Solheim’s resignation comes ahead of crucial talks opening in Poland on Dec 2 on implementing the Paris climate deal. (Colombo Gazette)

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