Fed: Former diplomats, defence chief call for truth in govt

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2004
Fed: Former diplomats, defence chief call for truth in govt

A virtual who's who of former diplomats and defence chiefs have called for truth in
government and for a more balanced approach to foreign affairs.

In a public statement, the 43 signatories say they're concerned Australia was committed
to join the invasion of Iraq on the basis of false assumptions and the deception of the
Australian people.

They say Australia has not become safer by invading and occupying Iraq, and now has
a higher profile as a terrorist target.

They say they don't wish to endanger Australia's alliance with the United States, but
it should be a genuine partnership -- not just a rubber stamp for policies decided in
Washington.

The statement is signed by former defence force chiefs ALAN BEAUMONT and PETER GRATION,
former defence department secretary PAUL BARRATT, former prime minister's department secretaries
ALAN RENOUF and RICHARD WOOLCOTT and former ambassadors including RAWDON DALRYMPLE, STEPHEN
FITZGERALD and ROSS GARNAUT.

AAP RTV mb/jmt

KEYWORD: STATEMENT (CANBERRA)

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