VIC: Iraq attack will have repercussons, says Kennett

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-1998
VIC: Iraq attack will have repercussons, says Kennett

MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett today described the American-British
attack on Iraq as "extraordinary" and said it would have repercussions around the world.

Mr Kennett said he "hoped to God" British Prime Minister Tony Blair and United States
President Bill Clinton knew what they were doing.

He was commenting after British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed reporters about the
Operation Desert Fox attack, launched at 9am (AEDT) today.

The White House announced the attack, but Mr Blair has spoken before United States
President Bill Clinton.

"It would be hard to remember another occasion when the defender of the free world has not
led the debate, or broken the news, I suppose," Mr Kennett told radio 3AW.

"But let's hope to God, they both know what they are doing.

"I mean, it is extraordinary. It is absolutely extraordinary.

"It is not just going to affect that part of the world.

"These communities have their friends and fellow travellers.

"And the repercussions, the ramifications right around the world will be extraordinary."

Mr Kennett said the attack reinforced that Australia was "but a very small drop in the
bucket" and an observer.

"It's very hard for us, here in Australia, to understand what the blazes is going on," he
said.

He said he had a sense of de ja vu about the attack.

AAP lmw/ra

KEYWORD: IRAQ KENNETT

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