UN's Ban Ki-Moon says Saudi Arabia 'pressured' him for blacklist removal
United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon has announced Saudi Arabia will be removed, pending investigation, from a blacklist it was on for its role in killing more than 500 children in the Yemen war, prompting blackmail speculation.
Mr Ban has since as good as confirmed the Saudis subjected him to extortion and condemned them for going too far, while stories have circulated they blackmailed him and threatened to pull funding for a raft of humanitarian programs, including Palestinian refugees.
Mr Ban complained of "unacceptable" and "undue pressure" to take the Saudis off a blacklist for killing 510 children — 60 per cent of the children killed last year.
"This was one of the most painful and difficult decisions I have had to make," Mr Ban said.
"I also had to consider the very real prospect that millions of other children would suffer grievously if, as was suggested to me, countries would de-fund many UN programs.
"It is unacceptable for member states to exert undue pressure. Scrutiny is a natural and necessary part of the work of the United Nations.
"I stand by the report. We will assess the complaints that have been made, but the contents will not change."
Human rights activists have slammed Mr Ban for caving in, and he said it was "due criticism".
PHOTO: The aftermath of Saudi-led air strikes on a market in Yemen's Hajjah province. (AlmasirahShahid1)
