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US ambassador invited to inquest US ambassador invited to inquest
(about 1 hour later)
The coroner at the inquest into the deaths of the first British servicemen killed in the Iraq war has invited the US ambassador to attend the hearing.The coroner at the inquest into the deaths of the first British servicemen killed in the Iraq war has invited the US ambassador to attend the hearing.
On Monday, Andrew Walker called it "inexcusable" that US authorities had failed to release evidence about the fatal helicopter crash in March 2003.On Monday, Andrew Walker called it "inexcusable" that US authorities had failed to release evidence about the fatal helicopter crash in March 2003.
Now he wants the ambassador to give reasons for what he describes as the lack of cooperation with his inquiry.Now he wants the ambassador to give reasons for what he describes as the lack of cooperation with his inquiry.
The eight British commandos died along with four US marines in Kuwait.The eight British commandos died along with four US marines in Kuwait.
Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker said he was told he could not see a US safety report into what happened when the Sea Knight went down south of the Kuwaiti border.Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker said he was told he could not see a US safety report into what happened when the Sea Knight went down south of the Kuwaiti border.
Sgt Hehir and the seven other service personnel did as the prime minister asked them to do, and that was to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Americans Paul Spencer, lawyer 'Incompetent'
Paul Spencer, lawyer for the family of victim Sergeant Les Hehir, said his clients had been dismayed by comments made by the US deputy chief of mission David Johnson on Channel 4 News. Paul Spencer, lawyer for the family of victim Sergeant Les Hehir, from Poole in Dorset, said his clients had been dismayed by comments made by the US deputy chief of mission David Johnson on Channel 4 News.
Mr Spencer told the hearing: "Sgt Hehir and the seven other service personnel did as the prime minister asked them to do, and that was to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Americans in March 2003.Mr Spencer told the hearing: "Sgt Hehir and the seven other service personnel did as the prime minister asked them to do, and that was to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Americans in March 2003.
"Against that background, you will readily understand the dismay of Mrs Hehir and the families of other personnel who tragically died in this incident when she learned from David Johnson...that he didn't think this inquest process was, as he described it, 'appropriate'," he added."Against that background, you will readily understand the dismay of Mrs Hehir and the families of other personnel who tragically died in this incident when she learned from David Johnson...that he didn't think this inquest process was, as he described it, 'appropriate'," he added.
The court also heard Mr Johnson told the programme the coroner was not "competent" to examine the issue surrounding the crash.The court also heard Mr Johnson told the programme the coroner was not "competent" to examine the issue surrounding the crash.
We just want to know what happened - we want the truth Sharon Hehir
Mr Walker replied that he saw "no harm" in inviting the US ambassador or his deputy to the hearing in Oxford.Mr Walker replied that he saw "no harm" in inviting the US ambassador or his deputy to the hearing in Oxford.
Mr Spencer also said Mr Johnson made it clear that his answers were given on senior instruction from the American government and while the US was prepared to be fully open with the MoD, they would not cooperate with the coroner.Mr Spencer also said Mr Johnson made it clear that his answers were given on senior instruction from the American government and while the US was prepared to be fully open with the MoD, they would not cooperate with the coroner.
Outside court during an adjournment, widow Sharon Hehir appealed directly to the US authorities.
"This is our only opportunity - we just want some answers," she said.
"I'm sure I speak for all the families when I say that we just want to know what happened, we want the truth. If they've got nothing to hide then why won't they help us?"
Previously, Mr Walker has criticised US authorities for failing to provide "vital" information during last month's controversial inquest into the death of Matty Hull.Previously, Mr Walker has criticised US authorities for failing to provide "vital" information during last month's controversial inquest into the death of Matty Hull.