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PM in Baghdad for Anzac Day
PRIME Minister John Howard today made a surprise visit to Baghdad for Anzac Day services as around Australia tens of thousands of people honoured the Anzac spirit. Under extraordinary security arrangements, Mr Howard flew to Iraq for his first visit since Australia sent troops as part of the US-led invasion force in March last year. He was to attend a dawn service and spend some time talking to troops and other Australian representatives on the ground in the capital. "The trip to Iraq is in recognition of the great sacrifice and contribution Australian personnel are making there in challenging conditions," Mr Howard said. "They are following in the footsteps of countless other Australians who have served the nation in many other parts of the globe. "I am certain that all Australians will join me in expressing heartfelt thanks for their efforts. "In remembering those who in the past have given their lives defending our freedoms and way of life, we should also honour those who today put their lives at risk in the service of Australia." Mr Howard was joined by Mal Brough, minister assisting the defence minister, and Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove. Australia has 90 air traffic controllers in Baghdad, plus a detachment of about 90 Army personnel and 53 soldiers who are in Iraq to assist in the training of the Iraqi armed forces. Mr Howardâs trip echoes one made by US President George W. Bush, who last year went into Iraq on a special American day - Thanksgiving Day. Mr Howard had been listed to appear at the national Anzac Day ceremony in Canberra until this morning, when deputy Prime Minister John Anderson was listed as a last minute replacement. He joined Governor-General Michael Jeffery and New Zealand High Commissioner Kate Lackey as guests of honour at the Australian War Memorial. They were met by a royal guard of honour from the Australian Federation Guard. In Perth, children in pyjamas were among the 30,000 people massed in Kings Park. Melbourneâs service attracted about 15,000 and there were big crowds too in Sydney, Adelaide and Townsville. Across the country, officials remembered not only those who had fallen in past conflicts, but also those now serving in troublespots around the world. In Sydney, Australiaâs maritime commander Rear Admiral Raydon Gates said: "This year, while thankfully we are not at war, Australia still has sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen deployed overseas in dangerous places." In Perth, Royal Australian Air Force group captain Peter Capwell told the crowd world events meant the Anzac spirit was now, more than ever before, something Australia should never forget. "World events in September 11, including Bali and more recently in Spain, clearly demonstrate that terrorism threatens us all," he said. "We will eventually win the war on terror but it will be a difficult struggle. In dealing with this challenge, we will do well to draw on the Anzac Spirit and approach it with the same courage, tenacity and selflessness that was shown in Gallipoli on this morning 89 years ago." Posted by: tipper 2004-04-25 |
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