AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2004
FED: Australia a safer place after Iraq war: Hill
SYDNEY, Aug 24 AAP - The world had become a safer place since the war on Iraq, Defence
Minister Robert Hill said today.
Senator Hill's comments follow reports that the federal government was repeatedly warned
that taking part in the United States-led invasion would put Australia at more risk from
terrorism.
The defence minister said there were always risks associated with conflict but Australia
had done the right thing.
"It's always been our view that an Iraq that is democratic ... that is not being led
by a person that is responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 of his own people would
be a contributor towards a safer world not a less safe world," Senator Hill told reporters
in Sydney.
"... Obviously if you engage in a conflict there are risks associated with that conflict
but in the longer term it's always been our view that this would contribute to a safer
world and safer Australia."
The Sydney Morning Herald yesterday quoted intelligence sources as saying Prime Minister
John Howard was repeatedly warned that the war could harm the fight against terrorism
by fanning Islamic extremism.
AAP kjd/sco/sd
KEYWORD: TERROR HILL
2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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