Annan calls for probe into Iraqi oil scheme

Annan revealed his decision to go beyond a current internal UN probe Friday night in a letter to the Security Council.

The world organization has been hit with allegations that UN staff may have reaped millions of dollars from the oil-for-food programme that helped Iraqis cope with UN sanctions.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

US congressional investigators have also looked into the programme, charging this week that Saddam Hussein's government smuggled oil, added surcharges and collected kickbacks to rake in $10.1 billion in violation of the United Nations' oil-for-food programme.

"Hopefully the UN can build upon our work in looking at the books," said Jeff Nelligan, spokesman for the US General Accou-nting Office.