4 Feb 2004

Demand to disband American Samoan investigative committee

5:46 am on 4 February 2004

The Deputy President of the American Samoa Senate has called for the Senate Select Investigative Committee to be disbanded.

Tuaolo Fruean says the committee is beginning to interfere with the authority of the Governor and the executive branch.

His proposal was challenged by the Senate President, Lutu Fuimaono, who said the committee was established by the Senate and was carrying out its instructions from the Senate.

The Investigate Committee's Chair, Senator Luelemaga Faoa, says the committee will continue its investigations into alleged illegal practices within the government.

He says the committee's work is for the good of the government and the people and there is no turning back now.