Monday, July 19, 2004
From the southern end of the Coalition
The Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer has a nice piece in last Friday's "Opinion Journal": "Never Give In: Caving in to terrorists' demands only emboldens them.":
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"While we appreciate the terrible dilemma confronting the Philippine government, we hope they will show courage in the face of the kidnapping of one of their citizens and reconsider their decision to withdraw the Philippine humanitarian mission from Iraq ahead of its scheduled departure date.
"A decision to stand firm would have the full support of the international community. Showing such resolve is not always an easy choice, but it is the right choice. When any government does otherwise, it can mean that many others will pay a heavy price. For this reason, I welcome the resolve of South Korea's President Roh Moo Hyun and Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov in their brave stand against the terrorists-cum-kidnappers in Iraq. Their actions have sent a clear message to the terrorists that the international community cannot be intimidated. All nations with citizens in Iraq are grateful for their courage."
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