Australia-US security pact set for APEC summit
Australia's military could gain access to top-secret US weapons systems under a new security pact to be signed during an ongoing regional summit, the US ambassador said Monday.
By Agencies |
SYDNEY: Australia's military could gain access to top-secret US weapons systems under a new security pact to be signed during an ongoing regional summit, the US ambassador said Monday.
The pact will be unveiled by US President George W. Bush during a visit to Sydney this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings, Ambassador Robert McCallum said. The deal would involve "arranging for greater access for the Australian military, in its purchase of military hardware, to classified and secret technical information about weapon systems and operations," he told Australian television.
It would also give Australia access to "absolutely the latest in technology" when upgrading military equipment. Australia has been one of Washington's staunchest supporters in the "war on terror" and has troops supporting the campaign in Iraq. But Iraq and Howard's close alliance with Bush are key issues in the Australian election expected within the next three months.
Opposition leader Kevin Rudd, who is due to meet Bush this week, has vowed to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq if elected. Opinion polls give Rudd a strong lead over Howard. Howard on Monday described Bush as an intelligent and likeable man, as he brushed off criticism of the US leader's visit.
Experts said although Howard and Bush could sign the deal this week, it would still require ratification by the US Congress, which might stop it going through. Bob Wylie, a lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy, said only Canada currently enjoyed such privileged access, and previous attempts by Australia and Britain to gain similar access had been vetoed in Congress.
The pact will be unveiled by US President George W. Bush during a visit to Sydney this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings, Ambassador Robert McCallum said. The deal would involve "arranging for greater access for the Australian military, in its purchase of military hardware, to classified and secret technical information about weapon systems and operations," he told Australian television.
It would also give Australia access to "absolutely the latest in technology" when upgrading military equipment. Australia has been one of Washington's staunchest supporters in the "war on terror" and has troops supporting the campaign in Iraq. But Iraq and Howard's close alliance with Bush are key issues in the Australian election expected within the next three months.
Opposition leader Kevin Rudd, who is due to meet Bush this week, has vowed to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq if elected. Opinion polls give Rudd a strong lead over Howard. Howard on Monday described Bush as an intelligent and likeable man, as he brushed off criticism of the US leader's visit.
Experts said although Howard and Bush could sign the deal this week, it would still require ratification by the US Congress, which might stop it going through. Bob Wylie, a lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy, said only Canada currently enjoyed such privileged access, and previous attempts by Australia and Britain to gain similar access had been vetoed in Congress.
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