“This decision is an essential first step in restoring stability and sound management to this very important organisation.” — US State Department spokeswoman.

Chemical weapons body sacks head: Thanks to Colin Green for pointing me to this; put it together with my post several days ago noting that the UN high commissioner for human rights Mary Rogers is stepping down because of US pressure for a new, 21st century take on The Ugly American.

The body that polices the ban on chemical weapons has ousted its chairman, after the United States threatened to withhold funding.

The US objected to Jose Bustani’s plans to encourage Iraq to join the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Mr Bustani believed it would be a means to carry out new arms inspections in Iraq.

But the US said the inspections envisaged by the Brazilian director-general would be too lenient. BBC