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Official News - June 2007
► Australia issues revised ‘smart sanctions’ list against Zimbabwe regime
Australian ‘smart sanctions’ are targeted against those who are directly responsible for the Mugabe regime’s human rights abuses and for its gross economic mismanagement.
Australia has issued a revised list of Zimbabwe regime officials and supporters to be targeted by its ‘smart sanctions’.
At the Australian Government’s direction, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published a revised list of key officials and supporters of the Government of Zimbabwe subject to Australian financial sanctions. The list now includes the names of 183 members of the Mugabe regime.
Australian ‘smart sanctions’ are targeted against those who are directly responsible for the Mugabe regime’s human rights abuses and for its gross economic mismanagement. The revised list includes 27 additions, 3 deletions and 64 amendments to existing entries, and reflects changes in the Zimbabwean Government, and additional information on some already sanctioned individuals. The list is regularly updated.
Australia’s financial sanctions prohibit transactions involving the transfer of funds or payments to, by the order of, or on behalf of listed persons.
In addition to financial sanctions, Australia also imposes travel bans on leading members of the Mugabe regime and, since 2002
- has suspended non-humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe;
- prohibited defence sales and suspended all defence links;
- down-graded cultural links; and
- suspended bilateral ministerial contact.
Australian sanctions against the Mugabe regime reflect the Government’s deep concern about the plight of the people of Zimbabwe, who are denied human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Targeted sanctions are designed not to harm the Zimbabwean people, and are balanced by the provision of humanitarian aid.
► Australia remains committed to the Doha negotiations
Australia remains committed to achieving a successful conclusion to the Doha negotiations despite the collapse of the G4 talks in Potsdam on 21 June.
The Doha negotiations still offer the best way to address distortions in global trade.
Australia remains strongly committed to finding a way forward as soon as possible.
The negotiations can only be successfully concluded with an ambitious result on agriculture, industrials and services. This will include all World Trade Organization members, including the G4 (US, EU, Brazil and India) showing greater flexibility and a willingness to compromise. An outcome which does not create new commercial opportunities is in nobody’s interests and does not allow us to fulfil the development objectives that underpin the round.
Australia expects the focus now will be on the multilateral process in Geneva and the release of draft texts by the Chairs of the Agriculture and Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiating groups.
Australia urges the Chairs to incorporate a high level of ambition in these texts and advocate that all Members also push for an outcome that can create new and meaningful commercial outcomes.
The meeting of APEC Trade Ministers from 5-6 July, in Cairns Australia, provides an opportunity to send a strong message of support for intensifying our efforts to bring the Round to a successful conclusion.
► Australia and the EU to reshape the bilateral relationship
Australia and the European Union issue a Joint Statement on the future direction of their bilateral relationship.
The European Commissioner for External Relations, Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer, met for Ministerial Consultations on June 25 and agreed to a Joint Statement that launches the future direction of bilateral cooperation between Australia and the European Union.
The Joint Statement came on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the original Joint Declaration on relations between the European Union (EU) and Australia.
A document that formalised our commitment to enhanced cooperation across a wide-ranging agenda.
Over the coming months, Australia and the EU will develop a new partnership framework to shape our future direction that expands both our strong commercial links and our already wide-ranging political dialogue, including on issues of common concern such as Afghanistan, Iran, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
In 2007, the EU remains Australia's largest trading partner (with two way trade worth AUD75 billion in 2006) and our largest source of foreign direct investment (worth almost AUD100 billion at the end of 2005). The new framework is expected to be concluded by mid 2008 to coincide with the planned visit to Australia of European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso. It will strengthen Australia's commitment through collaborative, practical and action-oriented activities which support our mutual interests.
During the meeting, Dr Ferrero-Waldner expressed appreciation for Australia’s contribution to regional and international security, as did Mr Downer in relation to EU assistance programs in the Pacific and South East Asia.
In addition, Mr Downer and Dr Ferrero-Waldner agreed to support three initiatives that demonstrate the diverse nature of the relationship:
- Australia and the EU plan to co-host a Youth Interfaith Forum in Australia in the second half of 2007, comprising young leaders of the diverse religious communities in South East Asia, Australia and Europe, with a follow-up forum in Europe;
- Australia and the EU will establish a regular forum at officials level on energy security and climate, including forests.
Mr Downer and the Commissioner will co-author an op-ed for the European media to highlight positive developments in Indonesia and shared commitment to freedom and democratic values.
►Australia welcomes IAEA Delegation to visit North Korea
Australia welcomes the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation visit to North Korea to discuss the verification and monitoring of the shut-down of the Yongbyon nuclear facility. Australia remains willing to support real progress by North Korea in meeting its commitments under the six-party talks process.
Australia welcomes news that the IAEA is to send a delegation to North Korea next week (week of 25 June) to discuss the verification and monitoring of the shut-down of the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
This is the first step towards North Korea implementing its 13 February six-party commitments to dismantle fully its nuclear program.
North Korea should understand that its interests lie in implementation of its commitments under the six-party talks process, and not in provocative actions such as missile tests. Particularly at this time when the world is watching North Korea’s actions to gauge its sincerity.
As the 13 February statement demonstrates, North Korea has much to gain from making real progress towards denuclearisation and Australia would be willing to support such progress. However any development of our bilateral relationship or assistance to North Korea would be conditional upon North Korea meeting its undertakings, and subject to our obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1718, which remains in force.
Australia’s multilateral humanitarian assistance, however, goes to meet the pressing needs of the North Korean people and is therefore not tied to the nuclear issue.
Australia, which has been at the forefront of the international response to North Korea's nuclear test, will continue to work closely with the United States, Japan and other members of the six-party talks on the issue.
►Australia urges the military regime to return Fiji to democracy and the rule of law.
Australia urges the military regime to return Fiji to democracy and the rule of law.
The announcement on 19 June by the military regime in Fiji that it had agreed “in principle” that a parliamentary election could be held in the first quarter of 2009 was encouraging.
The announcement was in response to a report by technical experts, commissioned by the Pacific Islands Forum, released on 6 June.
This report concluded that elections could be held in Fiji in February/March 2009 - or as early as November 2008 - if the Fiji Bureau of Statistics was provided with additional resources to process census data.
Australia is willing to assist Fiji with technical and financial support for an election – provided there is a serious and demonstrated commitment by the Fiji authorities to hold elections in accordance with the timetable indicated.
Australia stands ready to provide additional assistance necessary to bring elections forward to November 2008, as identified in the experts’ report.
Australia urges the interim regime to carry through on its announcement by bringing back democracy and the rule of law to Fiji.
Until the regime makes a serious commitment to do that, Australia will maintain the robust measures it has put in place in response to the coup.
These measures include:
- the imposition of travel sanctions against members of the military and supporters of the regime and their families
- suspension of defence contacts and
- the suspension of those parts of our aid program that have been rendered ineffective by the actions of the military.
The Australian Government was dismayed by - and deeply regretted - the regime’s arbitrary expulsion, announced on 14 June, of His Excellency Michael Green, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji.
New Zealand has Australia’s full support in this matter.
► Inaugural Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations
The success of the inaugural Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (JAUSMIN) in Tokyo on 6 June highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries on issues of common strategic interest.
The inaugural Australia-Japan ‘2+2’ meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers was held in Tokyo on 6 June.
Australia was represented by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and Japan by Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma.
Prime Ministers Howard and Abe agreed to establish the consultations under the Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, signed in March 2007.
The meeting was an historic event which reflects the growing strength of Australia’s relationship with Japan.
Apart from these talks, Australia only has such meetings with the United States and the United Kingdom, and Japan only with the United States.
The talks were very successful, focusing on issues of common strategic interest including cooperation on disaster relief and peace-keeping and peace building activities, such as in Iraq and East Timor.
Ministers also discussed collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of our respective approaches to the Pacific and in relation to North Korea, counter-terrorism, and counter-proliferation. Ministers welcomed progress on the development of an Action Plan on cooperation between Australia and Japan on security and strategic issues, as provided for under the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and stated they would aim to complete the Action Plan ahead of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Australia at the time of APEC. Australia’s partnership with Japan has never been stronger. As liberal democracies with a commitment to human rights, freedom and the rule of law and with respective alliances with the United States, we share many common values. The development of our relationship, in particular in the last year with the signing of the Joint Declaration and the start of FTA negotiations, is unparalleled.
Australia and Japan are committed to working even more closely together in the future.
Australia will host the next JAUSMIN meeting in Australia in 2008.
A copy of the Joint Statement from JAUSMIN 2007 can be found at www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa064_07.html
► Australia’s film industry: New film opportunities for overseas investors
The Australian Government has introduced new film rebate incentives for both local and international film-makers, and to this effect recently announced $282.9 million film package includes greater incentives for large-budget international film and television productions to be made in Australia.
These incentives are designed to strengthen our production and acting skills base and showcase Australia to the world.
Since its introduction, the Refundable Film Tax Offset Scheme (RFTOS) has provided a 12.5 per cent rebate for eligible films resulting in productions such as Superman Returns, Charlotte’s Web, Star Wars – Episode 3, Ghost Rider and Happy Feet locating to Australia.
A new Location Rebate of 15 per cent will replace the RFTOS from 1 July 2007 and will ensure Australia remains a preferred destination for international film-makers.
The Location Rebate is available to large budget productions that film in Australia and spend at least $15 million in qualifying Australian production expenditure.
As of 1 July 2007, the Location Rebate will also include a 15 per cent rebate on Post Digital and Visual (PDV) effects work undertaken in Australia for projects that spend at least $5 million in qualifying PDV production even if the film is not shot in Australia.
Production companies making eligible productions in Australia can also claim the Location Rebate when they complete production expenditure in Australia (rather than waiting until the completion of their film). This will assist in increasing Australia’s competitiveness as a production destination.
A new Australian Screen Authority will operate from 1 July 2008 as a one-stop shop to support film-makers and to bring key film and television support agencies under one roof.
► Bringing Communities Together – Sharing our Achievements
A successful Australian Government initiative is fostering a greater understanding of and respect for cultural diversity in Australia, particularly between Australian Muslims and the wider community.
The Australian Government has indeed developed a strategic framework called “Bringing Communities Together” to support the Prime Minister’s policy on the social integration of Australian communities.
The framework, which is managed by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, is part of the whole-of-government National Action Plan on social cohesion, harmony and security.
The Sharing Our Achievements symposiums with the Australian Muslim community have been one of the most successful components of the framework.
The symposiums seek to foster a greater understanding of and respect for cultural diversity by highlighting the positive contribution made by Muslims to Australian society through social and business partnerships. The shared community theme underpinning the symposiums is facilitating social integration between Australian Muslims and the wider community.
Symposiums are being held in every Australian state and territory. Approximately 12 000 people have attended those held to date. The symposiums are complemented by community service expos, organised by the local Muslim communities in every state and territory in Australia, to share information about services and facilities provided by all levels of government and not-for-profit organisations in the wider community.
Through a number of workshops linked to the service expos, the Australian Government has been able to discuss a range of issues with local Muslim communities in order to develop relevant data based on demographics and identified priorities. This data will enable the development of more robust strategies and policies to assist social integration of Muslims into the wider Australian community.
► Australia to move towards a domestic emissions trading system
The Australian Prime Minister John Howard has announced that Australia will move towards a domestic emissions trading system beginning no later than 2012.
The Australian Government recognises that climate change is a serious global challenge and that Australia, like every other country, has a responsibility to control and reduce over time our greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia already has a greenhouse gas emissions target, set under the Kyoto Protocol for the period 2008-2012. Australia is one of the few countries likely to meet its Kyoto target on the basis of domestic actions alone.
On 10 December 2006, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a joint government-business Task Group on Emissions Trading. The Group was asked “to advise on the nature and design of a workable global emissions trading system in which Australia would be able to participate”. The Group submitted its report to the Prime Minister on 31 May 2007.
The Government accepts the Task Group’s conclusion that, on balance, Australia should set a long-term aspirational goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and a least cost a pathway to help get there.
The Government also accepts the conclusion that a well designed emissions trading scheme, specific to Australia, represents the least cost way of meeting an emissions constraint, and delivering sustained and deep reductions in emissions over time.
Australia will move towards a domestic emissions trading system, beginning no later than 2012.
The emissions trading scheme will be national in scope and as comprehensive as practicable. It will be designed to take account of global developments and preserve the competitiveness of our trade exposed emissions intensive industries.
The market will determine the most efficient means of lowering emissions. All emissions-reduction technologies will be open for consideration, including nuclear power.
Implementing a domestic emissions trading scheme needs to go hand-in-hand with an international strategy to shape the post-Kyoto international climate change framework. Australia will continue to lead internationally on climate change, globally and in the Asia-Pacific region. In March, the Prime Minister wrote to APEC leaders to place clean development and climate change on the agenda for the Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Sydney in September.
For further detail, see recent speeches by the Prime Minister’s (3 and 6 June) at www.pm.gov.au
The Task Group’s report can be found at www.pmc.gov.au
► Whale conservation strengthened at International Whaling Commission meeting
Whale conservation objectives were resoundingly endorsed at the 59th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC59), reflecting growing international opposition to commercial and ‘scientific’ whaling.
The cause of whale conservation was strengthened at IWC59 by five countries joining the side of conservation, two returning after absences, and a further shift across from the pro-whaling side, reinforcing the Commission’s whale protection work.
The Commission reaffirmed the importance of the moratorium on commercial whaling. Japan withdrew its proposal for a new class of commercial whaling for coastal fishing towns in Japan due to a lack of support.
Australia supported the renewal of quotas for Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling for the United States, Russia, Denmark (Greenland) and St Vincent, but does regret the increase in the Danish take of minke whales by 25 a year, and the new addition of two bowhead whales.
Australia is pleased that the Commission again called on Japan to cease its ‘scientific’ whaling program in the Antarctic. However Australia were disappointed that Japan did not drop its plans to hunt humpback whales in the 2007/08 southern hemisphere summer.
Australia will engage constructively in the upcoming inter-sessional process for discussing the future of the IWC.
► Building Bridges: the Third Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue
The Regional Interfaith Dialogue, originally co-founded by Australia and Indonesia, continues efforts to foster understanding and build harmonious relations between faith communities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Dialogue helps to ensure that the voice of extremists in the region is countered by the voice of the moderate majority who seek peace, harmony and tolerance.
On 28 and 29 May, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, visited Waitangi, New Zealand, to attend the opening ceremony of “Building Bridges: The Third Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue”. Australia co-founded the Regional Interfaith Dialogue in 2004 and co-sponsored the Waitangi Dialogue with Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines. The Dialogue’s participants were drawn from major faiths and concerned civil society groups in the four co-sponsoring countries, the remaining eight ASEAN countries, East Timor, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
The Regional Interfaith Dialogue provides a platform for faith leaders to promote peaceful co-existence and tolerance. In his opening address, Mr Downer called on faith leaders to promote moderation and tolerance in their own communities.
The overall emphasis of the Dialogue was on developing relations between diverse faith communities. Discussion generated recommendations from delegates for action at local, national and regional levels in the areas of building partnerships, education and media. For example, delegates supported the inclusion of education about religions in the curricula of schools and in the training of faith leaders. They also advocated the introduction of media literacy programs in schools, to help future media consumers develop a discerning and critical approach to news coverage about religions.
Cambodia has agreed, at Australia’s suggestion, to host the fourth Regional Interfaith Dialogue in 2008. It will be the first time that a predominantly Buddhist country has hosted the Dialogue. Australia will provide financial support.
► Situation in Burma and Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi
Australia remains very concerned about the situation in Burma and the ongoing detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and of all other political prisoners in Burma.
On 28 May the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, expressed sadness and disappointment about the extension of Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention for a further year and urged the Burmese regime to demonstrate genuine progress towards democratic political reform and undertake constructive dialogue and reconciliation with all political and ethnic groups. Aung San Suu Kyi has been in detention since May 2003 and has spent more than 11 of the past 18 years in detention. There are over 1000 political prisoners held in gaols in Burma, many for lengthy periods of time.
The Burmese regime continues to demonstrate a lack of willingness to take genuine steps towards democratic political reform.The regime’s National Convention on a new constitution resumed in April 2004, having been adjourned since 1996. The latest session recessed in December 2006.
On 12 January 2007, nine out of fifteen countries in the United Nations Security Council voted in support of an unsuccessful non-punitive resolution. Importantly during the debate all members of the Council registered their concern about the situation in Burma.
► Cairns Group Proposals on Food Aid and Export Credits
The Cairns Group, chaired by Australia, has submitted important new proposals on food aid and export credits in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round negotiations. This follows on from proposals the Group made earlier in the year on key market access issues, including sensitive products. The Cairns Group continues to be a strong voice in the agriculture negotiations and is fully committed to securing an ambitious outcome to the Round by the end of the year.
The Cairns Group has submitted new proposals on food aid and export credits as part of the agriculture negotiations in the WTO Doha Round.
The Cairns Group’s proposed rules on food aid are designed to ensure that there are no barriers to the provision of emergency food aid, while also preventing surplus product being dumped on world markets. The food aid proposal also addresses non-emergency food aid. Proposed disciplines include: needs-based assessments; aid must be in fully-grant form; the provision of aid is not to be tied to commercial exports from the donor country; and the local market conditions in the recipient country are taken into account.
On export credits, the proposal aims to better discipline programs where overly-generous government preferential financing can amount to an export subsidy. The export credits proposal calls for a two-year self-financing period and limits repayment terms to 180 days.
Longer periods which are used by some WTO members can give an unfair advantage over other agricultural exporters. The proposal also includes tighter disciplines on payments of interest, minimum interest rates, minimum premium requirements, and other elements which can constitute subsidies or otherwise distort trade.
If accepted, the proposals will deliver significant benefits to agricultural producers such as dairy, wheat and other grains. These industries have first-hand experience of the trade-distorting effects of agricultural products being dumped on world markets in the guise of food aid or through overly-generous provisions in export credit programs. The misuse of food aid and export credit programs, particularly by some of the major developed countries, has long been a concern to the Cairns Group.
These proposals are another of the Cairns Group’s important contributions to moving the Doha Round forward. Australia and the Cairns Group remain fully committed to securing an ambitious and successful conclusion to the Round this year and are firmly resolved to continue to make constructive and positive contributions to the negotiating process.