Annan was speaking after the release of a report by investigators, who said Tuesday there was not enough evidence to show that Annan knew of a contract bid by his son's employer for the oil-for-food program in Iraq. However, they criticized the U.N. chief for not properly investigating possible conflicts of interest in the matter.
While Annan said he accepted that criticism, he was happy with the report's findings he committed no wrongdoing.
"After so many distressing and untrue allegations have been made against me, this exoneration by the independent inquiry obviously comes as a great relief," he said.
The report released Tuesday accused the company, Cotecna Inspection S.A., and Annans son, Kojo, of trying to conceal their relationship after the contract was awarded. It also faulted Kofi Annan for conducting a one-day investigation into the matter, saying it should have been a more rigorous, independent probe.
