(The Australian) - Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said his government would not be held hostage by trade threats, after warnings by the Iraqi Trade Minister that Baghdad would halve Australia's $829 million a year wheat imports. Iraq said it was responding to Downer's strong public criticism of Saddam Hussein's weapons program and his hints that Australia could support future U.S. military action. Although Iraq is Australia's second biggest market for wheat, "We don't support policies of appeasement," said Downer.
2002-07-25 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive