May 7, 2005
Compromise Offered in U.N. Investigation
By REUTERS 
UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Reuters) - Paul A. Volcker, head of an inquiry into the United Nations oil-for-food program for Iraq, offered Congressional panels a compromise on Friday in an attempt to resolve a dispute over parallel investigations.
One senator indicated that the deal, which would allow a former investigator for the United Nations inquiry to make a single public statement, might be accepted.
Mr. Volcker said recent subpoenas by Congressional committees to the former investigator, Robert Parton, should be withdrawn.
At least two Congressional panels have subpoenaed Mr. Parton. On Thursday, he gave documents from his time as an investigator to the House International Relations Committee, led by Representative Henry J. Hyde, Republican of Illinois. 
Mr. Volcker said Friday that Mr. Parton's obligation of confidentiality to the United Nations would be lifted so he could make a statement but not be questioned. 
Senator Norm Coleman, Republican of Minnesota and chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, called the proposal constructive. There was no immediate reaction from Mr. Hyde.