The violence employed in demonstrations in both Sydney and Melbourne
today against United States' consulates should be utterly condemned
by all Australians.
Australians of Serbian descent have every right to peacefully demonstrate
against NATO military action directed at the Milosevic regime.
However the violence including injury done to police
is quite unacceptable.
The NATO action, which the Australian Government supports, became
a regrettable necessity when President Milosevic refused to respect
the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.
NATO's quarrel is not with the Serbian people but with the Milosevic
Government.
Australians of Serbian descent are a respected part of the Australian
community. They have contributed much to our country.
I am sure that the violent behaviour of a few will be strongly condemned.
28 March 1999