E&OE..................................................................................................
JOURNALIST:
Prime Minister, Bill Clinton's decision not to attend APEC,
does that send the wrong signals to the region at a time when the
push for free trade is facing enormous obstacles?
PRIME MINISTER:
There are reasons for the President not coming. I understand those
reasons. Clearly they are related to what is happening in Iraq and
the President's decision is entirely understandable. I would
hope everybody in the region will see it in that light and fully
understand his reasons for not coming.
JOURNALIST:
Is this shaping up as the most crucial APEC Summit with Japan threatening
to de-rail the EVSL Agreement on liberalising free trade in those
15 key sectors?
PRIME MINISTER:
All of these summits are important and it is essential in the background
of a difficult Asian economic climate that we maintain the momentum
of APEC. But they are always important meetings.
JOURNALIST:
You have plans for a bi-lateral with President Habibie. Are you
concerned that domestic problems in some of the countries that are
attending may upset the push to liberalise free trade?
PRIME MINISTER:
Oh look I'm not going to sort of give a lengthy analysis of
what's happening in other countries in these circumstances.
I'll be talking to President Habibie. We have a good relationship.
I'll be very keen to get his assessment of what is happening
in Indonesia. Indonesia is going through a very difficult transition
phase and Australia should have sympathy and understanding and recognise
the enormous adjustment that has to take place in that country.
JOURNALIST:
Is there any sign that Japan is willing to give any ground on the
forestry and fisheries....?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well I'll be getting a briefing on that from Mr Fischer when
I arrive in Kuala Lumpur.
Could I just say in relation to President Clinton that whilst all
Australians would welcome a genuine change of heart by President
Saddam Hussein regarding United Nations' inspections. It has
to be a genuine change of heart for it to be worthwhile and I'm
a little sceptical that the conditions that he has apparently attached
to the United Nations' concessions may indeed conceal the reality
that he is unwilling to cooperate. And I can understand the scepticism
that has already been expressed on behalf of the British Government
and also on behalf of the American administration. Thank you.
(Ends...)