Asia-Pacific Network: 18 March 1997
MERCENARIES: MEG TAYLOR CALLS FOR COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
Papua New Guinea's former ambassador to the United States is among many prominent citizens speaking out in support of sacked military commander Brigadier-General General Jerry Singirok's appeal for Prime Minister Chan to resign.
By DAVID ROBIE in Port Moresby
Former Papua New Guinea Ambassador to the United States Meg Taylor tonight joined sacked military commander Jerry Singirok in calling for a commission of inquiry into the Bougainville mercenary contract.
Speaking on the ABC's Lateline program, Ms Taylor said Papua New Guineans should not be shelve his appeal just because he had been sacked for his rebellion.
She said supporters of democracy were concerned about the challenge to constitutional and democratic processes but they should not lose sight of his serious allegations.
Ms Taylor said she also hoped Brigadier-General Singirok had passed on his documents to the Ombudsman Commission so they could be investigated.
"Now that [the rebellion] has happened, we should listen to the message that he has brought forward and not just shelve it because he has been dismissed," she said.
"He has indicated in his statement that he has information that pertains to the conditions of the Sandline contract.
"He has called for a commission in inquiry. That inquiry should go ahead, in my view, so that citizens of this country know what is in that contract.
"I hope he has passed these documents on to the Ombudsman Commission so proper investigations can go ahead and so the citizens know what this issue is about."
Ms Taylor said opinion was varied about Brigadier Singirok's actions, but while many were "sympathetic" with his statement they were concerned about defending democratic process.
