UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United Nations is investigating possible irregularities

in the awarding of big supply contracts in major peacekeeping missions, officials

said July 22.

U.N. officials, meanwhile, sought to minimize the fallout from the suspension with

pay of eight staff members in New York, pending a full investigation into the handling

of some contracts.

Joe Sills, spokesman for Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, said that the U.N.

investigation involves "charges of impropriety" but would not elaborate.