Australian govt approves new Iraq inquiry

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, March 01, 2004

Australian govt approves new Iraq inquiry

Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday granted an independent inquiry into the intelligence advice leading up to Australia's decision to participate in the Iraq War.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday granted an independent inquiry into the intelligence advice leading up to Australia's decision to participate in the Iraq War.

The inquiry has been recommended by a parliamentary inquiry which found the country's intelligence agencies may have overstated Iraq's ability of banned weapons.

The parliamentary inquiry committee suggests a former intelligence expert assess the capability and performance of the intelligence community, particularly the Office of National Assessments, which advises Howard.

Committee chairman David Jull has accused the intelligence agencies for making wrong judgments.

Howard said in a statement Monday that his government agrees tothe suggestion. "I shall indicate the person appointed to carry out this task and the terms of reference of the inquiry shortly," he said.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the new inquiry will report back in three months.

The government has been facing strong criticism for misleading the public over the reason to enter Iraq War. Pressures have amounted since US and British leaders ordered inquires into the intelligence before the war.

Source: Xinhua

Questions?Comments? Click here

Australian Parties Divide Over Inquiry Into Govt's Involvement In Iraq War

Second Australian Journalist Killed in Iraq

Japanese media follows changes regarding 3 ' most-wanted' things for Chinese families ( 2 Messages)

It is unexpectedly easy to defeat "China Threat" theory: Japanese economist ( 17 Messages)

Scientific concept of development crucial to China's future growth: Premier ( 4 Messages)

China issues human rights record of the US ( 4 Messages)

China to promote "cocktail weight loss therapy" in response to WHO plan ( 2 Messages)