The Australian wheat exporter, AWB, is alleged to have claimed up to $90M in tax deductions for its kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime.
AWB also allegedly wrote off against tax a $US7M debt it retrieved from the Iraqi Government for a BHP-related company.
AWB is undergoing an investigation by the Cole commission.
Labor's revenue spokesman, Joel Fitzgibbon, said that tax commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo must immediately audit AWB's books to ensure they had not broken any laws.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner, Mick Keelty, said that his officers were ready to investigate whether AWB had broken any domestic laws.
Quote:
"We have been liaising with the Cole inquiry and we are awaiting any referral from the Cole inquiry. In order to maintain the integrity of investigation that may have to take place, it's probably appropriate that we say little more than that."
What goes around, comes around!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Warnings Unheeded
Saddam Hussein has reportedly told aides that he warned the United States before 1990 that terrorists would carry out a major strike on America, with even the possibility of a nuclear attack being mooted.
These warnings come from secret tapes that have been acquired by ABC. The tapes present a voice, allegedly Saddam's, speaking in the presidential palace in the 90's.
Quote:
"Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before August 2 and told the British as well and that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction."
Adding:
"In the future, what would prevent a booby-trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington, or a germ or a chemical one?"
Interestingly he is also noted as saying that Iraq would not contemplate doing that.
These warnings come from secret tapes that have been acquired by ABC. The tapes present a voice, allegedly Saddam's, speaking in the presidential palace in the 90's.
Quote:
"Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before August 2 and told the British as well and that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction."
Adding:
"In the future, what would prevent a booby-trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington, or a germ or a chemical one?"
Interestingly he is also noted as saying that Iraq would not contemplate doing that.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Saddam On Hunger Strike
Saddam Hussein as told the court that he and his seven co-defendants haven't eaten for the past three days, to protest at the way they claim to have been treated by the tribunal.
Quote:
"We have been on hunger strike for three days to protest the way they brought us to court."
Defence lawyers are boycotting the court, saying that Rahman is biased and the trial is unfair.
Monday's hearing featured the testimony of a former intelligence officer.
Quote:
"We have been on hunger strike for three days to protest the way they brought us to court."
Defence lawyers are boycotting the court, saying that Rahman is biased and the trial is unfair.
Monday's hearing featured the testimony of a former intelligence officer.
A Day at The Circus
The farce of the trial of Saddam Hussein continued on Sunday, when Saddam clashed with the chief judge accusing the court of forcing him to attend.
Saddam started by accusing his jailers of dragging him into the courtroom, then called the chief judge Raouf Abdul Rahmann ignorant and insignificant.
The judge, not surprisingly, did not take this too kindly and banging his gavel on the bench ordered Saddam to be silent.
Saddam's half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti scuffled with guards as he was brought in, he then shouted at the judge before sitting on the floor with his back to the bench.
The court was adjourned when two former aides of Saddam Hussein refused to answer questions, with one saying he would never testify against his president.
A farce as usual.
Saddam started by accusing his jailers of dragging him into the courtroom, then called the chief judge Raouf Abdul Rahmann ignorant and insignificant.
The judge, not surprisingly, did not take this too kindly and banging his gavel on the bench ordered Saddam to be silent.
Saddam's half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti scuffled with guards as he was brought in, he then shouted at the judge before sitting on the floor with his back to the bench.
The court was adjourned when two former aides of Saddam Hussein refused to answer questions, with one saying he would never testify against his president.
A farce as usual.
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