United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says 2004 was a difficult year for both the world body and himself.
Mr. Annan told reporters Tuesday that the Iraq oil-for-food scandal has cast a shadow over the United Nations.
The U.S. Congress is investigating allegations of mismanagement in the defunct program that let Saddam Hussein's Iraq sell oil to raise money for food and medicine.
The secretary-general said he plans to finish the two years remaining in his term, despite some urging to step down over the scandal.
Mr. Annan also called for better relations between the United Nations and the United States.
He also noted important openings for peace in 2005 in such places as Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.