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Feature

Report Says Pentagon Pressured, Intimidated Auditors

by: Dana Hedgpeth, The Washington Post

A GAO report found that the Defense Contract Audit Agency, which oversees contractors for the Defense Department, made an upfront agreement with"a major aerospace company" to limit the scope of an audit. (Photo: EML Associates)

Auditors at an oversight agency of the Pentagon were pressured by supervisors to skew their reports on a major defense contractor's work, hiding wrongdoing and charges of overbilling, according to an 80-page report from the Government Accountability Office. The Defense Contract Audit Agency, which is charged with overseeing contractors for the Defense Department, made an upfront agreement with "a major aerospace company" to limit the scope of work and basis for an audit, the report said. »

US Removes Oil Giant From Burma Sanctions

by: Elana Schor, The Guardian UK

The US oil giant Chevron will continue to do business in Burma after a provision to stop it operating there was removed from the latest round of US sanctions on the country.

The new sanctions plan, approved yesterday by Congress and expected to receive quick approval from the White House, prevents the sale of Burmese gems and timber in the US via third parties - bringing the US into line with EU and Canadian policy. Profits from those products have enriched Burma's oppressive military regime. »