British anti-corruption proposal debated at whaling talks

Source: Associated Press

British anti-corruption proposal debated at whaling talks
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, July 11, 10:26 AM

ST. HELIER, Jersey — A British proposal to crack down on alleged vote-buying is one of the main items on the agenda at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission.

No breakthroughs were expected at the four-day meeting starting Monday on the larger dispute between anti-whaling nations and a handful of countries who hunt whales despite a 1986 moratorium.

Host nation Britain has proposed reforms to make the commission more transparent and effective. Its proposal would force governments to pay their membership fees by bank transfers, which can be easily traced, instead of cash or checks.

The move comes in the wake of allegations last year that Japan has been using aid money and personal favors to buy votes. Japan denies any wrongdoing.





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