Fed: Howard statement continues to provoke criticism
CANBERRA, Dec 3 AAP - Criticism of Prime Minister John Howard's statement backing alast resort pre-emptive strike to prevent a terrorist attack against Australia are mountingthroughout the region.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said he believed Mr Howard's statementwas part of a discourse and not a concrete plan of action.
"But if you ask what is Indonesia's position on this discourse of Prime Minister Howard,I say that such a discourse is unacceptable," Mr Wirayuda said.
A pre-emptive strike in another country would breach the United Nations charter andother international conventions, he said.
Mr Howard has suggested the charter no longer reflects modern realities and should be altered.
The Thai government said no country should follow the course of action suggested by Mr Howard.
Each country had its own sovereignty that must be protected, a government spokesman said.
Malaysia's Defence Minister Najib Razak said Kuala Lumpur would not allow foreign interventionin its fight against terrorism.
The comments were also rejected in domestic politics.
Labor accused Mr Howard of trying to build the case for a first strike against Iraqand said he should be talking peace, not war.
The Greens said the comments were a major gaffe creating military tension and calledfor the statement to be withdrawn.
Australian Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett said despite its denial, the governmentwas clearly preparing to support the United States in a war against Iraq.
AAP kjp/mg/br
KEYWORD: TERROR AUST DAYLEAD
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