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Australia, US, Japan praise China for Asia engagement
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-19 09:01
Downer said the three countries were committed to helping Beijing participate
fully in the region.
"I think we all pretty much agree, even if we use different language, we want
to have a constructive relationship with China," Downer said.
He praised China's role in attempting to convince North Korea to return to
international talks on its nuclear programme, an outcome called for in the joint
communique.
In the statement, the trio also expressed serious concern over Iran's uranium
enrichment program and urged Tehran to return to talks with the United Nations'
nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Authority, and comply with its
demands.
"We have grave concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and discussed the need
for concerted action at the UN Security Council to convince Iran to promptly
suspend all enrichment-related activities," they said.
Downer urged Iran to abandon its decision to proceed with its "so-called
research program into uranium enrichment."
"We are concerned that they aren't showing a great deal of intention to do
that," he said.
Iraq was also discussed but Downer refused to give details on a possible
timetable for the withdrawal of Australian or Japanese troops.
"There was obviously discussions about many aspects of the Iraq issue and I
am not getting into those kinds of issues publicly," he told reporters.
The talks coincided with a 500-strong Sydney protest to mark the third
anniversary of the war in Iraq.
Organizer Anna Samson called for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops.
"The US needs to admit that the military approach is not the answer to peace
in Iraq," she told AFP.
Taro Aso held bilateral talks with Downer later Saturday during which the
ministers agreed to strengthen their joint efforts to stamp out terrorism and
build their strategic relationship.
Rice left Australia Saturday for her return flight home.
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