TEL: 14. Jan. 93 15: 29 No. 010 P. 01
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PRIME MINISTER
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON PJ KEATING, MP
FAREWELL REMARKS TO AUSTRALIAN CONTIGENT TO SOMALIA
TOWNSVILLE, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 1993
Ladies and gentlemen
I am honoured to take part in this ceremony to farewell Australian troops dcploying to
Somalia. Tomorrow you will be in Somalia, joining colleagues who have gone ahead to prepare
for your arrival.
You will be part of an historic international undertaking, involving military personnel
from more than 20 other nations.
Never before has the United Nations sanctioned intervention on such a scale in the
internal affairs of a member state for humanitarian purposes.
The world has bccn appalled by the human disaster in Somalia.
A quarter of a million people havc dicd as a result of famine and clan warfare.
Last year Somalis continued to star,, c while food donated by the international
community was plundered by armed gangs or remained in warehouses because safe
passage could not b; guarantccd.
Operation " Rcstore Hope" is the international response to this terrible situation.
Its objective is to establish as soon as possible a secure environment for humanitarian
relicf operations in Somalia.
Australia's contribution to " Restore Hope" is a further demonstration of our support for
a stronger UN role in pcacekccping and humanitarian intervention.
We have a proud record in peacekceping.
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Today, Australian personnel are serving in UN-mandaced operations in Cambodia,
Iraq, the Red Sea, Western Sahara, Cyprus, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Israel and Syria,
as well as the multilateral operation in the Sinai.
when you join up with the remainder of the battalion group, you will become part of
Australia's largest contribution to UN operations since tbe Korean War and our largest
overseas deployment of ground forces in more than 20 years.
This deployment is also significant in providing an opportunity for Australia's infantry
to demonstrate the professional skills for which you arc so highly regarded.
I know you are well trained and cquipped for the challenging tasks that await you.
' The risks that you will face are real.
The Government is acutely awarc of what this means for you and your families.
Your assignment is limited to 17 weeks, and this is accepted by Australia's partners in
the operation.
We have no doubt you will be able to make a valuablc contribution to O9eratio
" Restore Hope" in this period.
It is appropriate that you have been assigned duties in the Baidoa area where Care
Australia has maintained a major relief operation in the most difficult circumstances.
You leave these shores with the full support of the nation as affirmed in the joint
resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament on 17 December.
On behalf of all Australians, I should like to express our deepest gratitude for your
service. You go to do what Australians want to see done:-security re-established;
humanitarian relief resumed.
Less suffcring. More hope.
I know that they arc proud of you, and that they wish you God-spccd and a safe return
to Australia.
I should now like to invite the Leader of the Opposition to join me in wishing you
every sucrCess in your important assignment.
CANBERRA 14 January 1993 TEL 14. Jan. 93 15: 29 No. 010 P-02,-