Saddam confesses to weapons and cash

BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Deposed captive Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has given up information to U.S. interrogators on hidden weapons and $40 billion, ITV News reported Monday.

Iyad Allawi, a member of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council said Saddam had revealed the names of people he involved in safeguarding the money, and also gave names of those who have information on equipment and weapons warehouses.

"The Governing Council is searching for $40 billion worth of funds seized by Saddam when he was in power and which has been deposited in Switzerland, Japan, Germany and other countries under the names of fictitious companies," Allawi said.

He said the council has since asked international legal companies to track the money.

Allawi said interrogators were now focusing on whether Saddam had any links to militant groups.

"Interrogators are now focusing on the relationship between him and terrorist organizations and on funds paid to groups outside Iraq," Allawi told London-based Asharq al-Awsat daily.

It is not clear whether Saddam was ever behind ambushes that have killed at least 211 U.S. soldiers since Washington declared major combat over on May 1.