Posted on 03/19/2003 11:38:28 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
PRIME Minister John Howard will address the nation tonight to explain to the Australian people his reasons for committing troops to a pre-emptive war against Iraq. Mr Bush's deadline expires at midday AEDT today, with many expecting war to break out almost immediately. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said war could start today. "I think there's every chance that that's going to happen," he said. The attack could start just as Opposition Leader Simon Crean begins his address to the National Press Club in which he is expected to outline his opposition to war against Iraq without United Nations approval. Last night, Mr Crean and some of his key defence advisers wrote to the country's 2,000 troops in the Gulf, giving them Labor's full support. "We know that in the best and highest traditions of the ADF, you will carry out your allotted tasks with courage, professionalism and dedication," they said. Security has been stepped up at key military bases and for some VIPs because of the impending war. Defence Minister Robert Hill said security at 44 defence sites had been beefed up. "It did so as a prudent reaction to the fact that the ADF is likely to be engaged in armed conflict," he said. In Indonesia, an Islamic group notorious for raids on Jakarta nightspots has warned Australians, Americans and Britons to leave the country before war started. The Front Pembela Islam (FPI) labelled citizens from countries who have joined the allied forces kafir harbi, an Arabic term for non-Muslims who can be legally killed.
The address is due to be broadcast more than seven hours after the deadline set by United States President George W Bush for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to leave his country.
"When you start to compare (permanent security council members), America is the eagle, China is the tiger, Russia is the bear, and in my view France is the vulture,"
He forgot someone, what's the UK?
Agreed. No question.
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