Australia's Stance on Iraq Blamed for Bali Blast

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, October 14, 2002

Australia's Stance on Iraq Blamed for Bali Blast

South-East Asia specialist Bruce Haigh was quoted by the Australian Associated Press (AAP) as saying that the country was paying the price for its high profile in the campaign against Iraq with the Bali bombing.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Australia's policy sticking to the United States was blamed Monday for the Bali bomb blast.

South-East Asia specialist Bruce Haigh was quoted by the Australian Associated Press (AAP) as saying that the country was paying the price for its high profile in the campaign against Iraq with the Bali bombing.

"Our prime minister should adopt a much lower profile; he's been beating a big drum on this issue," Haigh said, urging Australia to follow the example of Canada and other countries. "They're not making the sort of noises this government's been making," he said.

But he believed the root cause of this issue has been America's backing of Israel on Palestine, adding "Going to war against Iraq will not solve the problems which have arisen in Indonesia."

The Canberra Times on Monday published an analysis titled "This was aimed at us, not America," which said "There is no doubt that Kuta Beach is 'little Australia.' Therefore, the blast is a direct strike against citizens of this country, the one that stuck like glue to President Bush's coat-tails, through his Afghanistan campaign and now as he cranks up the campaign against Saddam Hussein."

But Prime Minister John Howard denied Sunday any suggestion linking the blast to his government's support of the United States.

That is "a totally inaccurate proposition and what makes it inaccurate is the fact that citizens of other countries that have taken what could either be called a neutral stance or a completelydifferent stance from Australia and have had their citizens killedin terrorist attacks -- particularly the Frenchy and the Germans."

Questions?Comments? Click here

Australians Protest Involvement in War Against Iraq

Putin Condoles on Deaths of Bali Blast Victims

Bush Condemns Bali Blast, Urges World Campaign Against Terrorism

China's Automaker Invests in GM-Daewoo Joint Venture ( 2 Messages)

At least 182 Dead in Indonesian Island Blast: President ( 2 Messages)

Multinationals Fight for Chinese Markets ( 80 Messages)

China Opposes US Congress Committee's Interference in China's Internal Affairs ( 33 Messages)

Fewer Slogans, More Practical, Reflect Social Changes in China ( 31 Messages)