FED: Fischer queries timing of Iraq airstrikes

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-1998
FED: Fischer queries timing of Iraq airstrikes

CANBERRA, Dec 18 AAP - Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has queried the timing of United
States airstrikes on Iraq, describing it as curious.

"Well it's a great matter of concern that the regime in Iraq has not complied with the
undertakings they gave as late as a month ago, but as the Prime Minister John Howard has
pointed out, this just cannot be allowed to drift on," Mr Fischer told 2UE Radio.

"I support the action which has been taken -- curious timing, but nevertheless that warning
was given in absolute terms, and I support that action which has been taken."

Australian citizens have been told to get out of Iraq and stay away from Israel after Prime
Minister John Howard once again declared the country's total support for air attacks on Iraq
over its attempt to stymie UN weapons inspections teams.

Despite receiving no advance warning of the attacks, Mr Howard was quick to declare the
strikes to be unavoidable, although he ruled out Australian military involvement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade immediately urged the 25 Australians believed
to be still in Iraq - including a woman and her two children on a visit to Baghdad - to get
out immediately.

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley rejected claims the air strikes had been ordered to distract
attention from impeachment proceedings against President Clinton.

"I think the problem they confront is that they're damned if they do and they're damned if
they don't," Mr Beazley said.

"He's got to govern as though those impeachment proceedings were not in place."

AAP rmm/rap/de

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST DAYLEAD

1998 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.