Fed: PM defends Obama comments

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2007
Fed: PM defends Obama comments

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has defended his criticism of US
presidential hopeful Barack Obama after Labor accused him of risking Australia's alliance
with America.

Mr Howard attacked the Democratic presidential aspirant over his pledge to withdraw
American troops from Iraq by March 2008.

The prime minister warned the policy could destroy Iraq and remove hopes of ever achieving
peace in the Middle East.

Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd accused Mr Howard of putting the alliance at risk because
of his personal relationship with US Republican president George W Bush.

"The prime minister's partisan attack on Mr Obama and the Democratic Party risks the
strength of the US alliance," he said.

"Mr Howard must not allow his personal relationship with President Bush to impact on
Australia's long-term alliance relationship with the United States.

"The alliance between Australia and the United States has prevailed with such strength
and certainty because it has always been above party politics."

But Mr Howard said he had worked closely with both Democrat and Republican leaders.

A spokesman for the prime minister said he had worked closely with Democrat president
Bill Clinton and Mr Bush, a Republican.

"The prime minister remains of the view that the policy Mr Obama is advocating regarding
Iraq is not in the security interests of the USA or Australia," the spokesman said.

AAP so/evt/de

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST DAYLEAD

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