United Nations: The United Nations (UN) has launched a major investigation into allegations that ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein got million dollars in kickbacks from the oil-for-food programme and bribed foreigners with oil money to support his regime.

It has sent two letters seeking information from Iraq's Governing Council and the US led Coalition Authority but has so far got no response.

However, in the meantime, it is continuing to investigate the largest ever-humanitarian programme operated by it and is interviewing its former employees. The probe is being conducted by United Nations' auditing office.

"The Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is proceeding as best it can with its probe, talking to UN and former Oil-for-food personnel, as well as people outside the organisation," UN Chief spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

The programme was dismantled after Hussein was ousted and the coalition took over the administration of the country.

The Governing Council had ordered its Oil Ministry to collect information about the allegation after reports surfaced that some 270 former Cabinet Ministers, legislators, political activists and journalists from more than 46 countries had profited from the Iraqi oil sales.

The programme, established by the Security Council, allowed Iraq to sell oil under strict UN supervision to finance purchase of food, medicines and essential commodities. Contracts had to be approved by the Security Council sanctions committee on which all council members were represented.

But allegations say that Iraq fixed sale price of its oil lower than the market price and sought kickbacks from them.