Australia: The Army Stays in the Gulf

Prime Minister John Howard arrived to Washington for a last minute meeting with George W. Bush and other US officials. Prior to his departure, Mr. Howard announced he would tell the US President Australia wants to see a second UN resolution prior to joining the America in a war against Iraq. Many Australian commentators, however, see the promise as unrealistic considering that Australian troops, Navy ships and aircraft have been already deployed in the Middle East.

During his trip Mr. Howard is expected to meet as well the UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the President of Indonesia Megawati Sukarnoputri.

The Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard confirmed today that Australian troops would stay in the Middle East regardless of any possible moves taken by the United Nations. The Australian Parliament continues a lively debate of the Iraq conflict. The opposition parties: Labor, Greens and Democrats remain strongly opposed to any military involvement in the Middle East.

Henry L. Marconi Pravda.Ru Sydney