$ 85 mn outstanding from UN for peacekeeping missions: Govt

NEW DELHI: Government on Monday said around USD 85 million were outstanding from the United Nations for Indian armed forces' participation in UN peacekeeping missions till June this year.

"Permanent Mission of India in New York has intimated that approximately USD 85 million was outstanding from the UN for UN peacekeeping operations till June 30, 2009. This includes payments for armed forces and police for current and past missions," Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

He added that the payment of outstanding dues is constantly pursued with the UN through the permanent mission in New York and special teams visiting there from time to time.

Antony said that reimbursement for UN missions is an ongoing process and claims are settled by the international body after due verification and accounting procedure.

Replying to another query, the Minister said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was investigating alleged irregularities in conclusion of local wheat grinding contracts in Indian Army's Northern Command.