News Stories 6 March 2008
Australia seeks to strengthen International Whaling Commission
The Australian Government is committed to reforming the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to provide effective protection for whales in the 21st century.
On 19 December 2007, the Government announced that it would dramatically increase its diplomatic efforts regarding whaling, including by developing Australian proposals for improving and modernising the IWC.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts will attend an IWC Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the IWC in London from 6-8 March.
Australia will table a paper at the meeting, released by the Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, on 3 March, outlining Australia’s proposals for the future of the IWC.
The paper promotes a future for the IWC focussing on conservation and non-consumptive uses of whales, such as whale watching, and puts forward three key proposals:
- developing internationally-agreed, cooperative conservation management plans, taking into account all whale-related issues and threats;
- launching regional, non-lethal, collaborative research programs to improve management and conservation outcomes for cetaceans; and
- reforming the management of science conducted under IWC auspices, including agreed priorities and criteria for research, and an end to unilateral ‘special permit’ scientific whaling.
Australia will be looking to build support for its proposals at the meeting and in the lead-up to the next meeting of the IWC (Santiago, June 2008).
Australia’s increasing engagement with the United Nations
Active membership of the United Nations (UN) is a key element of the Australian Government’s foreign policy. The Australian Government is committed to increasing its engagement with the UN, and seeks a greater role for the UN in international affairs.
The multilateral system plays a critical role in maintaining the rules-based international order that underpins global security and prosperity.
The Australian Government seeks a greater role for the UN, and co-operative multilateralism, in international affairs.
Australia is therefore strongly committed to working through the UN, and the multilateral system more generally, to tackle the complex global challenges that no country can address on its own.
This includes addressing climate change, countering transnational terrorism, and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The Government has worked proactively and constructively since taking office to enhance its engagement with the UN, including through:
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s signature of the instrument of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on 3 December as the first official act of the new Government; and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith’s visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York during his official visit from 24-27 January 2008.
The Australian Government supports UN reform in order to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of UN operations.
We also support reform of the UN Security Council to better reflect the modern world (including the permanent membership of Japan and India in a reformed Security Council).
Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark
In their first formal bilateral meeting, held on 27 February in Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark affirmed that the two governments would work closely on a range of global, regional and bilateral issues, including climate change, the South Pacific and advancement of a single trans-Tasman economic market.
The prime ministers re-affirmed their commitment to close and comprehensive trans-Tasman relations.
Mr Rudd noted that this had assisted both countries’ national interests greatly over a long period of time.
Mr Rudd emphasised that the South Pacific presents Australia and New Zealand with major challenges which need to be met in partnership, including with Pacific Island states, taking coordinated development assistance cooperation.
The prime ministers expressed their concern over developments in Fiji, including government interference with media independence.
Mr Rudd and Miss Clark stated their governments’ commitment to advance a single trans-Tasman economic market under the umbrella of the Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relationship Trade Agreement.
Mr Rudd and Miss Clark agreed Australia and New Zealand would work together on efforts to address climate change, including in international negotiations and in developing domestic emissions trading schemes.
Miss Clark welcomed Australia’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and stressed the value New Zealand placed on working with Australia in a combined diplomatic effort in working for a post-2012 international climate change agreement.
Sydney is the world’s best city – again
Sydney and Melbourne have been rated in the top ten cities in the world, with Sydney ranking number one for the second consecutive year.
The annual Anholt City Brands Index, which measures perceptions of 40 cities around the world, has again ranked Sydney number one, with Melbourne moving from eight to sixth position.
According to the report, although Sydney is not as well known as cities such as London or New York, it still leads the field because of its overwhelmingly positive image.
Sydney is perceived as an attractive place with a good climate, welcoming people and excellent amenities.
It also ranked in the top three cities for employment and business opportunities, alongside New York and London.
Melbourne’s improvement in the overall rankings, coming in ahead of cities such as Barcelona, Vancouver and Berlin, underlines its image as a vibrant, affordable and liveable city.
The results demonstrate the strong international reputation Australia’s cities have as lifestyle and business destinations.
The Anholt City Brands Index, published by British public diplomacy consultant Simon Anholt, is based on a survey of over 10,000 people in 20 countries around the world.
The top ten cities are: Sydney, London, Paris, New York, Rome, Melbourne, Barcelona, Vancouver, Amsterdam, and Montreal.
News Stories 28 February 2008
Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN)
The Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), which were held in Canberra on 23 February, confirmed the fundamental and indispensable nature of our alliance relationship and its centrality to Australia’s security arrangements.
The AUSMIN consultations are the primary vehicle for the strategic management of our alliance relationship with the United States. It ensures that the alliance remains dynamic and capable of responding to contemporary challenges.
The meeting was hosted jointly by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, and the Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte led the US delegation.
The meeting confirmed that the alliance is enduring; that it remains the bedrock of our defence security and strategic arrangements; and that it is indispensable to our national interest. The meeting also confirmed both countries’ long-term commitment to the alliance.
The two sides: - exchanged insights on regional and global strategic issues and security challenges, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Weapons of Mass Destruction proliferation and terrorism;
- discussed further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, which delivers important security dividends to Australia and contributes to regional stability, particularly in three key areas: humanitarian assistance/disaster relief;
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and enhancing joint and combined training;
- and focused on practical cooperation that our two countries can undertake, including to promote stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region.
The two sides agreed that our cooperation on counter-terrorism and capacity-building on maritime security in the region should continue and deepen.
Australia welcomes conduct of elections in Pakistan
The Australian Government welcomed the successful conduct of elections in Pakistan and looks forward to working with a new democratically-elected Government in Pakistan.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, welcomed the largely peaceful conduct of parliamentary elections in Pakistan on 18 February and the efforts of the parties to move quickly to establish a broad-based government.
The successful elections demonstrate the commitment of Pakistan’s people to democracy and represent a serious setback for extremism.
Australia has important strategic interests in Pakistan and a strong interest in Pakistan’s stability and democracy developments in Pakistan are central to the global fight against terrorism and extremism. They also impact on progress and security in Afghanistan and on the security of Australian personnel deployed there.
The Australian Government is firmly committed to working with a new government, and our international partners, to help Pakistan to address the challenges it faces.
Australia will actively explore opportunities to strengthen support for Pakistan’s democracy and development.
Australia’s long-term commitment to international stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan
The Australian Government is committed to international stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The Australian Government has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to international stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The security and development challenges facing Afghanistan are complex and intertwined, and the Australian Government supports efforts to strengthen military and non-military support to Afghanistan.
It is critically important that we ensure sustained and concerted international military support for counter-insurgency efforts in Afghanistan.
Australia is making a serious contribution to security and reconstruction in southern Afghanistan, in particular through the work of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Australia has around 1000 troops deployed under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southern Afghanistan engaged in important reconstruction and security activities.
The Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, announced on 19 February that the Government had decided that Australia would make a significant contribution to training the Afghan National Army (ANA) through the deployment of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT).
The commitment to deploy the OMLT would be met through an adjustment of the ADF force structure in Afghanistan.
On the non-military side, the Australian Government is developing measures to enhance non-military assistance with a view to developing the capacity of Afghan national institutions.
The Australian Government is examining options to enhance our aid program and strengthen the Australian Federal Police presence in Afghanistan to train Afghan police officers and strengthen efforts to counter the illicit production of narcotics.
Australia Recognises Kosovo Independence
The Australian Government has recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, judging independence to be the best option for long-term peace and stability in south-eastern Europe.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, announced on 19 February that Australia has recognised the declaration of independence by the Republic of Kosovo.
Kosovo’s declaration was preceded by a long and unsuccessful negotiation process between Serbia and Kosovo under the auspices of the United Nations.
The Australian Government closely considered the question of Kosovo’s status, and concluded that independence with international (EU) supervision is the best option for peace and stability in Kosovo and the surrounding region.
Kosovo meets the four criteria for a new state: it has a defined territory; has a permanent population; is likely to have an effective government; and will have the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
While there is no international unanimity on recognition, the United States, the United Kingdom, other European countries, and a cross section of non-European countries have already supported Kosovo’s independence, with more to come.
Australia has strongly urged the leaders of both Kosovo and Serbia to demonstrate resolve and political determination in settling their differences peacefully and has condemned the violent actions of rioters who last week burned part of the United States Embassy in Belgrade and attacked several other missions while calling on the new government in Kosovo to ensure the rights and safety of minorities, as well as to protect cultural and religious sites.
Visit by Foreign Minister to the Solomon Islands
The visit to Solomon Islands by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, provided a further opportunity to underscore the fresh start in the bilateral relationship and to strengthen our partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and region on RAMSI.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, visited Solomon Islands on 21-22 February to attend the inaugural Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Standing Committee (FMSC) meeting on the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
He was accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr, and the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan.
Mr Smith met separately the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, and the Niue Premier, Young Vivian, who will assume the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and host the annual Leaders’ meeting in August 2008.
Mr Smith’s visit closely followed the successful 22-23 January visit to Australia by Dr Sikua and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister William Haomae.
The Australian Government welcomes the new Solomon Islands Government’s willingness to work closely and cooperatively with Australia on bilateral issues and RAMSI.
The inaugural FMSC meeting was productive and positive and provided an opportunity to underscore Australia’s ongoing commitment to RAMSI and close cooperation with the Solomon Islands Government and regional partners.
The Committee underlined the importance of consultation between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI to develop jointly agreed development strategies, and endorsed a proposal to jointly develop a Solomon Islands Government-RAMSI ‘Partnership Framework’.
The Framework will provide a mechanism for mutual responsibility in setting priorities to achieve the Solomon Islands Government’s broader policy objectives by developing mutually-agreed, conditions-based timelines with a view to reducing RAMSI’s engagement in critical areas of government.
Archived News Stories 2008
February