Australia foreign minister comments on terrorism and regional security

Описание: (7 Nov 2002)

1. Wide shot conference
2. Mid shot Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, listening
3. Various press and officials
4. Downer walking to podium, zoom in
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister:
"The bombings underscore that terrorism threatens our region, and remind us that no one is immune and everyone is threatened. Left unchecked, terrorism has the potential to obstruct the welcome trend towards mature democracy in Indonesia and de-stabilise other countries in our region, which of course is one of the main aims of the perpetrators. We must emphasise that this is not a clash between Islamic and non-Islamic norms, cultures, civilisation s - it is a clash instead between tolerance and moderation on one hand, and on the other zealotry and extremism."
6. Pan from audience to Downer
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister:
"Pyongyang's admission that it is enriching uranium has renewed cause for concern about North Korea's intentions. As a region, and with our allies, we have to ensure that North Korea stops developing nuclear weapons and the means of delivering them beyond its borders."
8. Various of press conference

STORYLINE:

Australia's Foreign Minister said Thursday that last month's terrorist attack in Bali highlighted that no region of the world is safe from terrorism, and called on stronger regional co-operation in Asia to fight terror.

Alexander Downer made his comments in Tokyo where he is attending a joint Australia-Japan Conference.

Following a minute's silence for the victims of the Bali attacks, Downer told the audience: "Left unchecked, terrorism has the potential to obstruct the welcome trend towards mature democracy in Indonesia and de-stabilise other countries in our region."

The bombings on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali on October 12th killed nearly 200 people last month - almost 90 were Australians.

The Australian Foreign Minister also commented on North Korea's admission last month that it has a programme to develop nuclear weapons.

He said: "We have to ensure that North Korea stops developing nuclear weapons and the means of delivering them beyond its borders."

Later Thursday, Downer is due to meet with the Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi and the country's Foreign Minister, Yoriko Kawaguchi, to discuss regional security issues.

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