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| Down Under |
| AUSTRALIA VOWS TO BOOST FIGHT AGAINST TERROR |
| 2004-11-17 |
| Australia's newly re-elected government has pledged to boost its anti-terror capabilities, strengthen links with its regional neighbors and continue to reform the country's booming economy. The conservative coalition government of Prime Minister John Howard delivered its key agenda points for its fourth consecutive term of power at the opening of the 41st Australian parliament on Tuesday. "Australia continues to face a challenging international and regional security environment," the government said in a speech delivered by Australia's titular head of state, Governor General Michael Jeffery. "The government will maintain a strong stand against international terrorism and the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It will also respond to the adverse impact that failing states have on our national security." Jeffery said the government intended to keep a controversial election promise to create six Australian police "flying squads" for quick deployment across borders to "disrupt terrorist networks." Canberra also will create a counterterrorism and intelligence training school for Southeast Asian and Pacific countries. "The Australian government places high priority on strengthening cooperation with our regional neighbors and offering assistance in capacity building in the fight against terrorism," Jeffrey said. "The government will maintain a strong stand against international terrorism and the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction." |
| Posted by:God Save The World |
| #5 Howard’s re-election campaign was marred by a terror bombing of Australia’s embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. No Australians were killed, but nine Indonesians died in the explosion, which was regarded as the first terror attack directly aimed at an Australian target. Funny, I thought the nightclub bombing in Bali was the "first" attack on the Aussies. As I recall, some 100+ Aussie travellers were killed in the bombing. After reading, I guess it's technically correct, as it was the first AUSTRALIAN target, but does a target have to be a country's property for the jihadis to make a point toward a certain country???? I think not. |
| Posted by: BA 2004-11-17 10:33:05 AM |
| #4 Good on ya, Howard. Kick ass at home - and take no |
| Posted by: .com 2004-11-17 6:09:35 AM |
| #3 Sustaining Australia’s high standing and strong alliance with the United States is a key priority .... Apparently the entire world doesn't hate us. Not that it would really matter anyway. |
| Posted by: AzCat 2004-11-17 1:34:58 AM |
| #2 Turnin' their hats around. |
| Posted by: mojo 2004-11-17 12:30:53 AM |
| #1 Australia - not a land of wussies. |
| Posted by: 2b 2004-11-17 12:14:23 AM |