PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING MP,
DOORSTOP, KURILPA PARK, BRISBANE, 27 OCTOBER 1994-
E OE PROOF COPY
PM: You wanted a comment about David Wilson. We have unconfirmed,
but we understand fairly authoritative reports that David Wilson and
his two associates were killed in Cambodia and, I think, this has been
communicated to his parents. If this is true, this is a very tragic
outcome and I would like on behalf of the Government to extend my
condolences to David Wilson's parents and to anyone so affected by
this tragedy. There is obviously a substantial risk for young
Australians travelling in Cambodia, particularly in some parts of the
country and it is something that we will need to be more vigilant about.
J: What about the state of the military aid for the Cambodian defence
forces. Where does that stand now?
PM: That is nought to do with this. That is a broader question about how
best Australia can continue to help the process of democratisation in
Cambodia and how we may be able to help the government of
Cambodia establish itself as a government of the people which
commands the respect of the people.
J: What response now are you expecting from the Cambodian
Government?
PM: Well, I don't know. We'll wait and see what they have to say, but
again, they are unconfirmed reports but they have a ring of authority
about them.
J: Do you have any message to the Khmer Rouge?
PM: Well, it's not for me to have a message to them. My message has
been consistent, I think, that is that the best process for Cambodia is
to see the reflection of the peoples wishes in the government of their
affairs and where all factions in the country should come together and
try to make a success of their future. This basic stand out position
which the Khmer Rouge has taken can't, in the final analysis, produce
anything but more hardship and problems for the people of Cambodia.
ends