UN security chief quits over bomb

By Jonathan Beale
BBC News, New York

The UN is concerned that it is becoming a terrorist target

The UN's security chief has resigned following an investigation into the suicide attack on the UN's mission in Algeria last December.

Two consecutive bombs in Algiers killed 17 UN staff and more than 20 others.

David Veness offered his resignation after a panel found that officials may have failed to respond adequately before and after the attack.

He said he was willing to shoulder full responsibility for any security lapse linked to the attack.

'Inadequate protection'

His departure follows months of investigation by a UN panel.

It found ample evidence that several UN staff members up and down the hierarchy may have failed to respond adequately both before and after the suicide attack.

A separate investigation will now look at other individuals' responsibility, leaving open the possibility of further action.

The panel also appeared to make some criticism of the Algerian government for not doing enough to protect the UN's mission.

The report stated that measures taken to protect the UN were inadequate.