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LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION THE HON KIM C BEAZLEY MP

UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR ROBERT McCALLUM

Today I met with the new United States Ambassador to Australia, Mr Robert McCallum, and reaffirmed the Australian Labor Party’s and my personal commitment to a warm, enduring relationship between our two countries.

I thank Mr McCallum for his initial efforts in signalling his desire to make contact with me and for his acknowledgement of my own commitment to the Alliance now and during my time as the Minister for Defence.

At today’s meeting, Mr McCallum and I agreed the Australia-US Alliance is of vital importance to both countries and that an enduring Alliance is forged on common interests and also permits candid discussions on occasionally

conflicting views.

During today’s discussion, I informed Mr McCallum that the Australian Labor Party’s foreign policy focus was on South East Asia and the Pacific and, in accordance with the ANZUS Treaty, in Afghanistan. I also stated my belief that the war in Iraq was the wrong course of action in the War on Terror.

I raised my view that David Hicks should be given access to a fair trial as a matter of urgency.

Mr McCallum noted these matters and he and I committed to remain in contact on issues that concern both countries.

I look forward to an ongoing dialogue between Mr McCallum and myself, an enduring, close and honest relationship between the Australian Labor Party and the United States and the ongoing Alliance between our two great countries.

CANBERRA TUESDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER, 2006

CONTACT: George Svigos: 0417 196 836