UNO owes India over $180 mn

NEW DELHI: The United Nations Organisation owes nearly 180.55 million dollars to India for sending troops to peace missions across the country, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Replying to written questions, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said 6875 armed personnel were presently engaged in peace missions in Congo, Sudan and Golan Heights.

In addition, 2291 personnel also remained deployed in UN peacekeeping missions which were continuing in Lebanon and Ethiopia.

For the services rendered in UN Peackeeeping Missions, reimbursement was made by the UN Headquarters towards troops cost, contingent-owned equipment and for self-sustaining items like office and catering equipment.

"As on July 2006, a sum of 180.55 million dollars (approximately Rs 831 crores) is due from the UN for ongoing missions. The issue relating to payment of dues is constantly pursued with the UN through the Permanent Mission of India, New York," he said.

 IAF dues: An amount of Rs 6.5 crore is outstanding against two former Prime Ministers and one former Union Cabinet Minister for use of defence forces aircraft for unofficial journeys, he said in reply to another question.