Fed: PM rejects statement from former diplomats, defence chiefs

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2004
Fed: PM rejects statement from former diplomats, defence chiefs

The federal government has dismissed a damning statement from 43 eminent former defence
chiefs and diplomats calling for more honesty in government.

In a public statement, the group says they're concerned that Australia joined the war
on Iraq on the basis of false assumptions and deception.

They say Australians must be able to trust they're being told the truth on matters
as grave as sending troops to war.

But Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has rejected suggestions that Australia went to war on a lie.

He says there was no pressure put on intelligence agencies.

The statement's signatories include former defence force chiefs PETER GRATION and ALAN
BEAUMONT and former defence department secretary PAUL BARRATT.

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says the opinion of the Iraqi people is what matters
-- not the view of 43 retirees.

AAP RTV mfh/mj/psm/
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KEYWORD: STATEMENT (CANBERRA)

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