Fed: AWB failed to answer Downer queries=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2006
Fed: AWB failed to answer Downer queries=2

Mr DOWNER's also been quizzed about a note he made .. saying he was relaxed .. despite
warnings from AWB in June last year that the grain trader could be in deep trouble as
a result of the UN investigation.

He said AWB had told him they'd used a Jordanian-based trucking company to deliver
wheat in Iraq .. and that company was part of the focus of the UN's investigation.

The Foreign Minister said he didn't think that was likely to lead to severe censure.

Mr DOWNER's also told the inquiry he never knew anything about an arrangement by AWB
to collect an eight million US dollar debt from SADDAM's government on behalf of a company
known as Tigris .. linked to resources giant BHP Petroleum.

The inquiry's been told AWB inflated its wheat contracts with Iraq to recover the debt
for BHP .. which wanted the money in return for a shipment of wheat it sent the Iraqis
in January 1996 .. despite sanctions in place at the time.

The inquiry continues.

AAP RTV bt/hn/tm/bart

KEYWORD: AWB DOWNER 2 SYDNEY

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.