FEd: Aust ambassador to US lobbied Congress to drop AWB probe

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2006
FEd: Aust ambassador to US lobbied Congress to drop AWB probe

Australia's ambassador to the United States reportedly lobbied Congress to drop a probe
into allegations the AWB paid kickbacks to SADDAM HUSSEIN'S regime.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER'S office has confirmed
then-US ambassador MICHAEL THAWLEY met Senator NORM COLEMAN in September 2004 and argued
strongly against a US Senate inquiry into the AWB.

A statement from Mr DOWNER'S office said the Australian government had been very concerned
AWB would be treated unfairly .. and had no reason to believe it was behaving anything
but properly.

The probe was ultimately dropped .. reportedly due to the fierce resistance from the
wheat exporter .. and following Mr THAWLEY'S meeting with Senator COLEMAN.

AAP RTV ajc/jv

KEYWORD: AWB THAWLEY (SYDNEY)

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