A top United States diplomat was recalled from Wellington to Washington after accusing Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun of accepting free accommodation, and other ethical violations in New Zealand.
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune by former New Zealand journalist Mike Dorning, the allegations prompted a State Department investigation, which cleared the ambassador.
Ms Moseley Braun, who arrived in New Zealand last year, was dogged in the lead-up to her appointment by questions about campaign finance, shopping sprees and secret trips to Nigeria for meetings with the late dictator Sani Abacha.
The Tribune said deputy chief of mission Richard Miller, a 25-year diplomat, accused Ms Moseley Braun of ethics violations in hiring, procurement and the acceptance of gifts.
One allegation involved free accommodation for herself, her son and a friend at an exclusive lodge near Nelson. Rooms at the lodge cost nearly $900 a night.
American Foreign Service Association president Marshall Adair said there were accusations of wrongdoing to which Ms Moseley Braun had taken exception.
"The ambassador ... forced at least one foreign service officer to leave his post."
The Tribune said a State Department official had confirmed the lodge allegation, but Ms Moseley Braun had reimbursed the hotel later.
Another official said Mr Miller had asked for his three-year assignment to be cut short by a year. Since July he has been a director of an office in the department's Bureau of International Organisations.
Ms Moseley Braun could not be reached for comment last night.
-NZPA
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