Text of report by Ethiopian radio on 20th October
A committee set up to investigate the alleged crimes committed by the recently sacked 21 executive [committee] members of the Somali Regional State Council began its work today. The chairman of the committee, Mr Umar Tahir Dalmer [phonetic], said that in accordance with the decision reached at the second emergency meeting of the council to investigate the 21 sacked executive members of the region, the committee started its official duties today. According to the chairman, the committee has six members and is empowered to investigate the alleged embezzlement of government and public funds. It will also look into violation of the regional constitution.
The committee has already requested additional lawyers and auditors from the prime minister's office in order to carry out its investigations properly. In the meantime it will continue the preliminary investigations with the available regional professionals.
The second emergency session of the regional council on 30th
Meskerem 1990 [Ethiopian calendar, 10th October 1997] decided
to sack 21 former executive members and ordered their
subsequent investigation, according to Walta Information Centre
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