Tuesday, November 22 2005 14:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: United Nations and the Volcker Committee have assured 'full cooperation' to India in its investigation into allegations of Union Minister Natwar Singh and ruling Congress party being a 'non-contractual beneficiary' in the scandal ridden oil-for-food programme.

The assurance was given to Virendra Dayal, special envoy appointed by the Indian Government to collect information and documents regarding Volcker Committee findings, when he met UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Chairman of the Independent Inquiry Committee Paul Volcker.

Dayal, who met Volcker on Friday and Annan yesterday (Nov 21, 2005), told sources that he was satisfied with the meeting and both of them had assured him 'full cooperation' in the investigation.

Annan has expressed his eagerness to ensure 'full cooperation' by the world body's officials in the probe, Dayal, a former UN Under Secretary-General, said.

India is one among the first country to launch a probe on the report by Volcker Committee, appointed by Annan after allegations of widespread corruption in the oil-for-food programme which was meant to help Iraq, which was reeling under the UN, imposed sanctions.

While Dayal, who was accompanied by four top officials including from Enforcement Directorate, held intensive discussions with Volcker, the officials deliberated on the modalities of getting information and documents.

Asked how long his task in the US would take, Dayal said he wanted to finish his job as soon as possible and return back soon as everything is going in the 'right direction'.