Fed: Cold response ADF global peacekeeping role call

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-1999
Fed: Cold response ADF global peacekeeping role call

There's been a cold response to calls for a greater global peacekeeping role for Australia
by the head of the country's defence forces.

Australian Defence Force chief Admiral CHRIS BARRIE's comments echoed Prime Minister
JOHN HOWARD's controversial remarks in September.

Mr HOWARD had said that Australia could be a future deputy peacekeeper to the United States.

Admiral BARRIE, fresh from a visit to East Timor, claims the ADF is now a force of
choice for future UN peacekeeping operations because of its success in East Timor.

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has bristled at the suggestion, saying East Timor presented
a special set of circumstances, not to be seen as a template for elsewhere.

He says the defence of Australia should always remain Australia's priority.

And Australian Democrats leader MEG LEES says the ADF's role should be concentrated
on assisting Australia's closest neighbours.

AAP RTV dep/mfh/kbw/jn/as/pjg

KEYWORD: TIMOR AUST (CANBERRA)

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