Australia pledges support of U.S.-led military operation

Howard

February 10, 1998
Web posted at: 6:42 a.m. EST (1142 GMT)

CANBERRA, Australia (CNN) -- Australia will contribute to any U.S.-led military operation against Iraq if the current standoff cannot be solved diplomatically, Prime Minister John Howard said Tuesday.

Howard emphasized that if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is allowed to further develop weapons of mass destruction, it not only poses a threat to neighboring countries but also would tempt other countries to develop a powerful arsenal.

In an interview with CNN International, Howard explained Australia's position: "We simply cannot, as a civilized world, allow these sorts of weapons ..." AIFF or WAV (470 K / 21 sec. audio) "There is a world security issue involved in this ..." AIFF or WAV (323 K / 15 sec. audio) "... if he's (Saddam Hussein) able to do that, then others might think they can do it, and those others can be anywhere else in the world." AIFF or WAV (558 K / 25 sec. audio)

"There is a world security issue involved in this. That is why Australia has indicated a willingness -- if diplomatic solutions and approaches fail -- to join the United States-led effort," Howard told CNN.

For months, Iraq has barred U.N. weapons inspectors from sites, where suspected weapons of mass destruction may be housed, on grounds of national sovereignty.

U.S. President Bill Clinton contacted Howard by phone Saturday to ask if Australia would be willing to participate in a military operation.

Howard said Australia's contribution would be comprised of about 250 special force personnel, including a detachment of the Special Air Service for search-and-rescue operations, two Boeing 707 aircraft for refueling purposes and some intelligence and medical specialists.

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"There has been very strong support within Australia," he said.

Joint Australia-U.S. spy bases in the remote Australian outback played a key role in the 1991 Gulf War by allowing troops to eavesdrop on Iraqi communications and help locate targets within the Arab nation. Australia also provided two warships and a supply ship as part of the international force against Iraq during the conflict.

Howard's decision Tuesday makes Australia the fourth nation to publicly pledge support for an attack against Iraq. Britain, Germany and Canada also have supported the possible military action.

The Australian prime minister, however, emphasized he preferred a diplomatic solution to the standoff.

"I hope devoutly that military action is not necessary, and I do hope Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi leadership is willing --even at this 11th hour -- to cooperate with the United Nations. We have no desire to see Iraq bombed," he said.

Related stories:

• U.N. chief cancels Mideast trip over Iraq crisis - February 9, 1998
• Cohen arrives in Kuwait on Persian Gulf tour - February 9, 1998

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