ROME -- Australia may withhold its funding to the FAO in protest against alleged inefficiency at the UN agency, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has cautioned.

The Australian Foreign Minister and ex-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd strongly criticised the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at a conference organised by the Economist in Hong Kong entitled Feeding the world: Asia's Prospect of Plenty.

ROME – FAO Director general Jose Graziano da Silva has fuelled outraged comments from female colleagues at the UN agency by lamenting a shortage of “really good candidates” among women for top jobs.

 “I have recommended that at least one woman continue to be included in the shortlists for all vacant posts,” the Brazilian agronomist said. “I have to say that we are having difficulty to recruit really good candidates. I ask you for your help in identifying qualified women who can contribute to our work in FAO,” Dr Graziano added.

ROME– An artistic You-tube video in which consultant Telma Viale apparently strips to the buff has raised eyebrows at the FAO amid growing speculation she may head its human resources department.

ROME – FAO’s communications chief lashed out at Italian Insider’s coverage as “highly inaccurate” and “shameful” this month as Lamberto Dini strongly denied influencing staffing at the UN agency.