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| Down Under |
| Rice wraps up Australian visit with talks |
| 2006-03-18 |
| AUSTRALIA, the US and Japan have sought to step up the pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions during the inaugural ministerial-level security talks between the three nations. In a joint statement issued after today's trilateral security dialogue in Sydney, the three nations called on Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program and also praised China's "constructive engagement" in the Asia Pacific region. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today ended her first official visit to Australia with the trilateral meeting, three years to the day after Prime Minister John Howard committed Australian troops to the US-led invasion of Iraq. While the trio discussed the deteriorating security situation in Iraq, foremost on the agenda was the worsening nuclear stand-off in Iran and the growing political and economic influence of China. Dr Rice this week made it clear the US had serious concerns about China's military build-up, and called on China to be more transparent about increases in its defence spending. But in a joint statement after today's trilateral talks, the three nations said they "welcomed China's constructive engagement in the region". Mr Downer said Australia, the US and Japan were extremely worried about Iran's nuclear program, amid suspicions the hardline Islamic state had lied to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), insisting for 18 years its nuclear program was intended only for civilian use. "There's no doubt about it, all of our countries are very concerned about the situation in Iran," Mr Downer said. "Iran should abandon its decision to proceed with its so-called research program into uranium enrichment. "It should comply with resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency and fully cooperate with the United Nations ... and the broad wishes of the international community." Mr Downer said Australia and Japan had strengthened political and strategic ties in recent years but China had nothing to fear from their closer relationship. "It's natural that countries that have a lot in common, like Australia, Japan and the US, spend a lot of time talking to each other," he said. "It's not for China to feel that we're ganging up on China. We certainly don't have a policy of ... trying to constrain China." Dr Rice, Mr Downer and Mr Aso agreed to support emerging democracies in the Asia-Pacific region, while also calling on North Korea to return to the six-party talks about its nuclear weapons program. The joint statement also praised India's decision to place its civilian nuclear programs under international scrutiny. After signing a deal to import nuclear technology from the US, India has asked Mr Howard to consider exporting uranium there to fulfil its burgeoning demand for energy. Such a move would require a major shift in Australia's nuclear policy – which Mr Howard has said he cannot rule out. The statement hailed today's talks as "a significant step in intensifying the strategic dialogue between our countries". "It's been a great pleasure to have Condi Rice here for a few days, and Taro Aso," Mr Downer said, before Dr Rice left for the Pacific islands. "These people are all good friends of Australia and this trilateral strategic dialogue ... has got off to a flying start." |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #1 I read the headline as "Rice wraps up Australian visit with tanks". |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2006-03-18 19:34 |