PNG- Sandline inquiry gets new terms id QAA02680; Wed, 24 Sep 1997 16:47:40 -0400 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit source: VIKKI@lexsun.law.uts.edu.au Tue Sep 23 20:02:25 1997 21 September 1997 Byline -- Abby Yadi Origin -- Niuswire (niusedita@pactok.net.au) Source -- The Independent (PNG), 19/9/97 Copyright -- The Independent Abridged SANDLINE INQUIRY GETS NEW TERMS PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea's second Sandline inquiry is set to resume on Monday with new terms of reference - after a month's delay, the weekly Independent has reported. Prime Minister Bill Skate, currently in the Cook Islands attending the South Pacific Forum meeting, has released the new terms of reference, the result of a review to the original terms of reference he announced on August 19. Marshall Cooke, QC, the lawyer representing former Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan and three other parties, had objected to the original terms of references and Mr Skate agreed to have them reviewed. While the original terms of reference seemed to be anti-Chan, the new ones released [now] target former Finance Minister Chris Haiveta. Most of it, however, has been a rearrangement and rewording of the original terms. They have also been reduced from 14 to 11. [The new terms of reference have been published in the Independent, Post-Courier and the National through government adveryisements.] The commission of inquiry headed by Justice Kubulan Los is now being asked to look into among other things: * WHETHER there was any arrangement made in January or February 1997 between Mr Haiveta and Rupert McCowan or any other persons to purchase or sell CRA shares in Bougainville Copper Ltd. * WHETHER the results of an investigation by the Australian Securities Commission reveals any involvement by a leader covered by the Leadership Code at the time of trading. * WHETHER Nicos Violaris was a business partner of Sir Julius. * WHETHER any PNG leader covered by the Leadershp Code has an interest in the company. * WHETHER he or International Monetary Brokers ha dbought BCL shares on their own account or on behalf of any other entity. * WHETHER Mr Violaris held any discussions in Canada, London, Hongkong, Singapore or Australia for or on behalf of any leader concerning the extraction of minerals from the Panguna copper mine. * WHETHER the directors of North Fly Development Company acted ultra vires their powers in relation to the creation of a loan agreement for the purpose of transmitting Sandline money. * WHETHER the former army commander Jerry Singirok acted within his authority as commander in respect of the orders her gave to abort the Sandline contract. * WHETHER there was ever a set price of US$30 million, what the reasons were for the increase, if any to US$36 million. The commission of inquiry will also look into the kind of equipment that was purchased by Sandline to be delivered to PNG and their quality and prices. This will also include the equipment held at Trindall Air Force base in Northern Australia. The other areas the inquiry will investigate are: * WHETHER any secret commission or improper payments were made or improper advantage given to any person in PNG or elsewhere in relation to the Sandline contract. * WHETHER within the past three years, any person within the Defence Force organisation, a minister or any other public official had received payments or financial inducement, benefit, advantage, secret commission or bribe from any supplier or military equipment to the state. This document is for educational and personal use only. Recipients should seek permission from the copyright source for reprinting. This service is provided by Journalism Studies, University of Papua New Guinea. Please acknowledge NIUSWIRE. Queries: niusedita@pactok.net.au http://www.pactok.net.au/docs/nius/ ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytpac-09.24.97-16:47:42-11900