Search for new 2014 Games chief

29 July 2011 Last updated at 10:31 GMT John Scott resigned after breaking the rules on accepting hospitality and gifts Organisers of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games have begun a worldwide search for a new chief executive following the resignation last month of John Scott.

John Scott stood down after accepting, but failing to declare, an offer from a potential supplier.

His replacement will be appointed by a nominations committee, comprising Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith and members from partner organisations.

The salary will depend on the experience of the individual selected.

Track record

Lord Smith said: "We have started our global search to get the best candidate possible to deliver an athlete centred, sport focused Commonwealth Games.

"With three years to go, we need someone with a proven track record at an international level and passion for sport.

"We are starting with an open book here and will consider anyone from home or away who meets the criteria.

"We want the best for Glasgow and the best for Scotland, and that's why we're looking as far and wide as we can to bring the best person to the table to make Glasgow 2014 the success we want it to be."

Short-listed candidates will be invited to take part in an interview process before the final decision is made by the nominations committee.

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Afghan central bank chief flees

28 June 2011 Last updated at 10:59 GMT Mr Fitrat has left Afghanistan for the US The governor of Afghanistan's central bank, Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, has resigned and fled the country, saying his life is in danger for investigating fraud.

He said the government had interfered in his efforts to pursue those responsible for corruption at the privately-owned Kabul Bank.

Mr Fitrat was speaking from the US where he has residency. He says he will not return to Afghanistan.

An Afghan government spokesman said the resignation amounted to treason.

Waheed Omar, Afghan President Hamid Karzai's spokesman, also added that Mr Fitrat was himself under investigation.

"My life was completely in danger and this was particularly true after I spoke to the parliament and exposed some people who are responsible for the crisis of Kabul Bank," Mr Fitrat said on Monday.

The embezzlement at Kabul Bank, Afghanistan's largest private bank, almost led to its collapse last year after it was discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars had gone missing. The bank handles up to 80% of the government payroll, including salaries for policemen and teachers.

A run on the bank was only avoided by the injection of massive amounts of public funds and government guarantees.

'Investigation blocked'

Investigators say that the bank made hundreds of millions of dollars of inappropriate loans. It was founded in 2004 by Sherkhan Farnood, a leading international poker player.

The bank was bailed out in September, which is when the central bank also took control of its finances. Mr Fitrat, as president of the central bank, was in charge of an investigation into what went wrong.

Continue reading the main story 2004: Kabul Bank founded by international poker player, Sherkhan FarnoodSeptember 2010: Kabul Bank taken over by the central bank after a run on the bank amid fears of its collapseFebruary 2011: Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, central bank governor, tells BBC those involved in bank's woes should be prosecutedFebruary 2011: An IMF report recommends the bank be put in receivershipApril 2011: Mr Fitrat, names in parliament prominent Afghan figures in connection with the Kabul Bank scandalMay 2011: Report by anti-corruption office shows $467m (?290m) of outstanding loans were made without appropriate collateralAs the crisis at Kabul Bank unfolded, President Karzai pledged to fully investigate those involved in the crisis.

But Mr Fitrat alleges that the central government did not assist him in the investigation or provide any help in recovering the bank's assets.

"During [the] last 10 months during Kabul Bank crisis, I continuously pressed for the creation of a special prosecution, for the creation of a special tribunal to investigate and prosecute those who were involved in Kabul Bank's fraud," he told the BBC.

"I did not receive any information that there is a credible plan to prosecute, to investigate and prosecute these individuals. The high political authorities of the country was responsible [for blocking] these efforts," he alleged.

He said he left the country after he received information that his life was in danger from "credible sources".

In April, Mr Fitrat publicly named in parliament high-profile figures who were allegedly involved in the near collapse of the bank.

Relatives of President Karzai, including his brother, Mahmoud Karzai, were among those named in connection with the scandal. Mr Fitrat also implicated the brother of Vice-President Qasim Fahim.

Both men - who were major shareholders in the bank - deny the charges. They say they are being targeted because of their position

'Foreign advisers' Kabul Bank was taken over by the Afghan central bank in September 2010

President Karzai has said Afghanistan lacks the necessary banking experience to oversee the institution and has blamed foreign advisers for the crisis.

He has also pledged to ensure that those responsible are subject to criminal investigations.

The International Monetary Fund wants the Afghan government to wind down Kabul Bank before it releases the funds for a new assistance programme. A recent IMF report said the bank should be placed in receivership.

Britain has already suspended a $140m (?85.6m) payment in aid to the country following the crisis.

"We take note of Governor Fitrat's decision to step down as central bank governor," IMF spokesman Raphael Anspach is quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying.

"We look forward to continue discussing with his successor ways to improve the Afghan banking system in the period ahead."

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Glasgow 2014 Games chief resigns

27 June 2011 Last updated at 16:42 GMT John Scott has stepped down as chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 organising committee The chief executive of the organising committee for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has resigned.

John Scott stepped down after admitting breaking rules over accepting gifts and hospitality from a potential supplier.

A statement from the organising committee said Mr Scott deeply regretted his mistake.

David Grevemberg, the chief operating officer, will take charge of the organising committee until a permanent chief executive appointment is made.

Lord Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: "John Scott has made an important contribution to the planning of what we believe will be an outstanding Games.

"The board has accepted his resignation for an error of judgement he made in accepting, and not declaring, an offer from one of Glasgow 2014's potential suppliers, in breach of the organising committee's strict gifts and gratuities policy.

"I know he deeply regrets this mistake and this was a job that he loved. It is a measure of the man that he has put the values and reputation of the OC ahead of his own at this time."

Continue reading the main story

I believe Mr Scott has done the right and principled thing in stepping down”

End Quote Shona Robison Commonwealth Games Minister He said that because Mr Scott was was largely responsible for setting the committee's standards of governance he felt he could not continue in his role as chief executive under the circumstances.

He added: "Now we must look to the future.

"We have a great team and a strong relationship with our Games partners. We are on track and on budget and do not intend to let the pace of our preparations drop."

Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison said: "John Scott has made a valuable contribution as chief executive of the organising committee.

"He played a leading role in ensuring the delivery of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow remains on schedule and within budget.

"However, the reputation and integrity of our Games is paramount and to that end I believe Mr Scott has done the right and principled thing in stepping down.

She added: "The standards that apply in a company responsible to the public are of necessity higher than those which prevail in private business and I fully support the decision taken by the organising committee."

Strathclyde Police confirmed they are not investigating Mr Scott.

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Chief executive McKie exits SRU

By Jim Mason
BBC Scotland Report: McKie leaves Scottish Rugby Union

Gordon McKie has left his position as chief executive of the Scottish Rugby Union.

McKie last week won a confidence vote from the present board after an emergency meeting at Murrayfield.

That was held after media speculation suggesting that McKie would be leaving after six years in the job.

But the SRU has now confirmed in a statement that he is exiting Scottish rugby's governing body "with immediate effect".

However, it did not indicate whether McKie resigned or had been forced to quit.

McKie, an accountant by profession, has reduced the SRU's overdraft from ?20m to about ?15m since taking charge.

And he said: "I will look back on my time at Murrayfield with a real sense of pride as much has been achieved since the dark days of 2005.

"I very much appreciated the board's recent unanimous vote of confidence in the executive management team and I take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support.

"However, from a personal perspective, I instigated discussions last weekend after considering matters with my family, as the time is right for me to leave Scottish Rugby and move on to fresh challenges."

Continue reading the main story

Gordon has provided great leadership, accountability, stability and transformed Scottish Rugby in the past six years

Allan Munro Scottish Rugby chairman

McKie in March announced Scotland's first performance review since 2007 after expressing dismay at "unacceptable" displays by the national team in the Six Nations.

He was also concerned about the showing of the two professional sides in a Magners League season during which Edinburgh coach Rob Moffat was sacked.

McKie had himself come in for some criticism about his own decisions and later this month was due to start working under a new chairman, the former chief executive of the FirstGroup transport firm, Sir Moir Lockhead.

Now senior non-executive director and former international Jock Millican will take the role as chief executive on an interim basis until a successor is appointed, with the recruitment process having already started.

Present chairman Allan Munro said: "Gordon has provided great leadership, accountability, stability and transformed Scottish Rugby in the past six years.

"He has achieved a great deal during his time as chief executive and, on behalf of the board and the staff, we thank him sincerely for his extensive efforts in leading the development of our sport at all levels and rebuilding our reputation amongst many of our key stakeholders.

"Specifically, since his appointment in August 2005, we have made great progress under his stewardship and enjoyed some significant highs in recent years, including the growth in the number of people playing the game, achieving our highest-ever world ranking position of sixth, enjoying notable wins at home and abroad for our national team and securing strong partnerships with sponsors and public sector partners.

"Gordon has demonstrated a willingness and an ability to support the board in the implementation of tough decisions that required to be made in the best interests of the game.

"Unlike 2005, when Scottish Rugby was close to insolvency, he leaves behind a solid platform and a stable financial base with significantly reduced debt, from which the next phase of developing the game in Scotland can be launched."

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No clown: McDonald's chief defends Ronald

20 May 2011 Last updated at 10:32 GMT Ronald McDonald is an "ambassador for good", the company says McDonald's chief executive Jim Skinner has stood by the fast-food chain's trademark clown Ronald McDonald.

On Wednesday, a group of 550 healthcare workers wrote to McDonald's asking it to stop marketing to children using methods such as toys and the clown.

"Ronald McDonald is going nowhere," Mr Skinner told Thursday's shareholders' meeting.

Shareholders rejected a proposal for the company to issue a report outlining its role in childhood obesity.

The proposal, put forward by a group of nuns, asked for a report within six months, "assessing the company's policy responses to public concerns regarding linkages of fast food to childhood obesity, diet-related diseases and other impacts on children's health".

The board of directors opposed the motion, saying it offered a variety of food to its customers, provided nutrition information about the food, and communicated with children "in a responsible manner through age appropriate marketing and promotional activities".

Mr Skinner said: "This is about choice and we believe in the democratic process."

Separate to the nuns' motion was the latest step in a two-year campaign by Corporate Accountability International, the organisation best known for its campaign to get rid of Joe the Camel from cigarette advertising.

Its open letter to McDonald's said: "While acknowledging that fast food is unhealthy, you pin responsibility for the epidemic of diet related disease on a breakdown in parental responsibility."

"We ask that you heed our concern and retire your marketing promotions for food high in salt, fat, sugar, and calories to children, whatever form they take - from Ronald McDonald to toy giveaways."

At the shareholders' meeting, Mr Skinner said: "As the face of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald is an ambassador for good and delivers important messages to kids on safety, literacy and balanced, active lifestyles."

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IMF chief remanded on sex charges

16 May 2011 Last updated at 19:44 GMT Mr Strauss-Kahn denies the allegations against him

A court in New York has remanded IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn in custody on charges of sexual assault.

The judge said Mr Strauss-Kahn, 62, is a flight risk. He was arrested on Saturday after boarding a plane, and accused of trying to rape a hotel maid.

Mr Strauss-Kahn, who had been seen as a front-runner in France's presidential election in 2012, denies the charges.

His lawyer expressed disappointment at bail being denied, but said his client would be exonerated.

"This battle has just begun," defence lawyer Benjamin Brafman told the court.

Prosecutors told the court it was not the first time Mr Strauss-Kahn had been involved in such an incident and argued he had been arrested attempting to flee the country.

Defence lawyer Benjamin Brafman contested this, saying the defendant had not tried to flee the scene and was actually rushing for a lunch appointment.

Continue reading the main story

When I hear your client was at JFK airport about to board a flight, that raises some concerns”

End Quote Judge Melissa Jackson He added that Mr Strauss-Kahn later called the hotel to say he was at the airport and had left a mobile phone in his room.

'Concerns'

However Judge Melissa Jackson denied the defence's offer to post $1m (?617,000) bail and agree to stay with his daughter in New York until the next hearing on Friday.

"When I hear your client was at JFK airport about to board a flight, that raises some concerns," Ms Jackson said.

The charges relate to an alleged assault at the Times Square Sofitel hotel in New York.

According to the New York Police Department, a 32-year-old maid told officers that when she entered his suite on Saturday afternoon, Mr Strauss-Kahn emerged from the bathroom naked, chased her and sexually assaulted her.

The woman was able to break free and alert the authorities, a NYPD spokesman added.

Continue reading the main story Michelle Fleury BBC News, New York

On a rain-soaked Monday morning, the pavements outside the courthouse were blocked by reporters and cameras all waiting to catch a glimpse of this particularly high-profile defendant.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn was brought from a holding cell to the courtroom looking pensive in a black overcoat. Cameramen and photographers jostled to try to capture an image of the IMF head and French presidential hopeful.

But instead it was his New York lawyer who spoke to the waiting media after the judge said Mr Strauss-Kahn must remain in jail. Benjamin Brafman is well-known in legal circles in the US. His past clients have included other famous figures such as Michael Jackson and Sean P Diddy.

When Mr Brafman emerged he told reporters that the battle had only just begun.

Later on Saturday Mr Strauss-Kahn was detained on board an Air France flight at New York's John F Kennedy airport minutes before take-off.

The IMF chief underwent medical examinations on Sunday. Police were looking for scratches or any other evidence of his alleged assault.

He was later charged with a "criminal sexual act, unlawful imprisonment and attempted rape". Police say the maid formally identified him in a line-up.

'Thunderbolt'

Until he was arrested, Mr Strauss-Kahn was considered a favourite to become the Socialist candidate for the French presidency next year.

Opinion polls gave him a good chance of defeating President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Socialist party president Martine Aubry described his arrest as a "thunderbolt" but called for Mr Strauss-Kahn to be presumed innocent.

Writer Tristane Banon alleges Mr Strauss-Kahn assaulted her in 2002

Mr Strauss-Kahn's wife, French TV personality Anne Sinclair, has also protested his innocence.

Meanwhile, another allegation against Mr Strauss-Kahn has emerged. A French writer says she may file a complaint for an alleged sexual assault in 2002.

Tristane Banon, 31, says Mr Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her when she went to interview him for a book she was writing.

"We're planning to make a complaint," Ms Banon's lawyer told AFP news agency. Mr Strauss-Kahn's lawyers have so far not responded to the allegation.

The European Union says the scandal should not affect bail-outs for eurozone countries.

The IMF has played a central role in organising rescue packages for the troubled economies of Portugal and Greece, and Mr Strauss-Kahn had been due to attend an EU finance ministers' meeting in Brussels to discuss the bail-outs.

The BBC's Chris Morris in Brussels says he has gained the trust of countries in Europe which are giving financial assistance, and those which are receiving it.

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