Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CANBERRA186
2008-02-25 20:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:  

AUSMIN 2008: JOINT COMMUNIQUE AND MEDIA EVENTS

Tags:  MARR PREL AS 
pdf how-to read a cable
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FM AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9075
INFO RUCNARF/ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0284
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0230
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 1069
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 1446
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT PRIORITY 0080
RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA PRIORITY 1454
RUEHBN/AMCONSUL MELBOURNE PRIORITY 5019
RUEHPT/AMCONSUL PERTH PRIORITY 3302
RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY PRIORITY 3203
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
RUEHNO/USMISSION USNATO PRIORITY 0767
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0282
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 CANBERRA 000186 

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SENSITIVE
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL AS
SUBJECT: AUSMIN 2008: JOINT COMMUNIQUE AND MEDIA EVENTS

REF: A. CANBERRA 178

B. CANBERRA 179

C. CANBERRA 180

CANBERRA 00000186 001.2 OF 007


AUSMIN 2008 JOINT COMMUNIQUE
-----------------------------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 CANBERRA 000186

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SENSITIVE
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL AS
SUBJECT: AUSMIN 2008: JOINT COMMUNIQUE AND MEDIA EVENTS

REF: A. CANBERRA 178

B. CANBERRA 179

C. CANBERRA 180

CANBERRA 00000186 001.2 OF 007


AUSMIN 2008 JOINT COMMUNIQUE
--------------

1. (U) The Joint Communique issued at the conclusion of the
Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in
Canberra on February 23 reflected a reaffirmation of the
strength of the U.S.-Australian alliance, and a reiteration
by both countries of their commitment to work together to
confront common challenges, and to contribute to stability
and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Specifically, both countries commited to work toward a
stable, united and democratic Iraq, as well as the
stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. They
stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive
strategy to more effectively integrate security,
reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan, and
called on the international community -- in particular, NATO
countries -- to enhance contributions to Afghanistan. The
statement endorsed long-term engagement with Pakistan;
expressed support for efforts to achieve peace in the Middle
East, particularly in talks between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority; and registered concern over the
impasse in Lebanon. On regonal security, the communique
reflected the bilateral agreement to build capacity in
Southeast Asia in such areas as counterterrorism and maritime
security, as well as a desire for intensified cooperation
with Indonesia and the Philippines. It welcomed the return of
democracy to Thailand but expressed concern over the lack of
progress toward reform in Burma. Australia and the U.S.
welcomed China's global and regional engagement, while
encouraging it to be more transparent about its military
modernization. They reiterated that a declaration of the
DPRK's nuclear programs is essential toward the verifiable
denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and urged the DPRK
to make a complete declaration as soon as possible. Both
side reaffirmed their commitment to nonproliferation,
including access to man-portable air defense systems
(MANPADS) by terrorists and other non-state actors. The
communique expressed deep concern over Iran's nuclear
activities and calls upon Iran to comply fully with the IAEA
and its international obligations to be fully transparent

regarding it past and present nuclear activities. On defense
relatons, the communique commends the progress on concluding
implementing arrangements for the Treaty on Defense Trade
Cooperation signed in September 2007, and welcomes the
forthcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre 2009. It announced an
agreement to establish a joint investment program to develop
a combined humanitarian assistance/disaster relief
capability, as well as an agreement to pursue options for
Qcapability, as well as an agreement to pursue options for
enhancing collaboration in Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance. Australian and the United States agreed to
finalize negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding that
would continue the Joint Combined Training Capability. The
communique noted the two countries had signed a Statement of
Principles establishing a military satellite communications
partnership during the AUSMIN consultations, and agreed on
principles for enhancing aspects of the intelligence
relationship. (Full text of the communique follows at para
10, below.)

AUSMIN PRESS CONFERENCE
--------------

2. (U) In the AUSMIN meeting's concluding press conference,
the four foreign affairs and defense principals issued brief
statements before taking questions. The parties reaffirmed
that the bonds between Australia and the U.S. were as strong
as they ever had been. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen
Smith said the Alliance transcended any change of
governments, reiterating the relationship was just "business

CANBERRA 00000186 002.2 OF 007


as usual." Smith said the parties had discussed Iraq,
including the withdrawal of Australia's combat troops,
stressing that the issue "was behind us." He noted other
topics discussed included Australia's enduring commitment to
Afghanistan; possible Australian non-military contributions
to Iraq; and capacity building in both countries. He stated
that the U.S. and Australia hoped democracy would take hold
in Pakistan and that it would strengthen its efforts to
combat terrorism. The Foreign Minister said that the parties
had talked about the Australian Government's commitment to
Asia and the importance of continued U.S. engagement in the
region.


3. (U) The Defense Secretary expressed U.S. appreciation for
Australia's leadership in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
Islands, and East Timor, and acknowledged Australia's strong
support in the fight against terrorism. The U.S. had no
better partner and ally than Australia, he added. Deputy
Secretary Negroponte said the parties had discussed Burma,

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the Six-Party Talks, how to deepen engagement with Indonesia,
cooperation in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the need to
strengthen the rule of law in both countries, and
implementation of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty signed
by the President and former Prime Minister John Howard in
September.


4. (U) In response to a question on whether Australia's
growing trade with China would adversely affect its
relationship with the United States, Foreign Minister Smith
noted that the U.S. had more trade with China than Australia.
When the Chinese Foreign Minister visited Australia
recently, Smith said, he had told him that China needed to be
more transparent and open about its military modernization.


5. (SBU) Defence Minister Fitzgibbon responded to a question
on the new Australian government's posture on Missile Defense
by congratulating the United States on the successful
destruction of the crippled spy satellite, but otherwise
avoided a direct response, evidence of the new Labor
government's inconsistent approach to missile defense. To a
question on whether the United States would sell F-22s to
Australia, Secretary Gates said U.S. law precluded any
foreign sales of the aircraft. Minister Fitzgibbon said the
GOA intended to review all options, including the F-22, as
part of its force review, refusing to be drawn to a
reporter's suggestion that the F-22 was needed to fight China
or any other country in the region.


6. (U) When asked if the Howard Government's election defeat
reflected a repudiation of its closeness to the United
States, Smith replied that the previous government's defeat
was due to its failure to effect generational change.

OTHER MEDIA EVENTS
--------------

7. (U) Press Cocktail Event: Secretary Gates, Ambassador
Q7. (U) Press Cocktail Event: Secretary Gates, Ambassador
Negoponte, and other senior USG officials met members of the
U.S. travelling press and five senior members of the
Australian press for cocktails and off-the-record discussions.


8. (U) Media Interviews: Secretary Gates participated in two
one-on-one TV interviews, with Sky News Australia, (part of
Rupert Murdoch's News Limited media holdings) and with the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Sky News interview,
conducted by Ashleigh Gillon, focused on general questions
about Iraq, Afghanistan, the F-22 Raptor, China, and
Australia's withdrawl from the propsed quadrilateral
strategic dialog. Mr Kerry O'Brien, host of ABC's The 7:30
Report, focused on the U.S. role in Afghanistan, asking if
the U.S. was prepared to 'go it alone', in the event the
conflict stretches over a number of years. Mr O'Brien also
probed the issue of the statute prohibiting the sale of the

CANBERRA 00000186 003.2 OF 007


F-22 to Australia, asking if Secretary Gates was prepared to
take up this issue with Congress.


9. (U) Press Roundtable: Secretary Gates, Ambassador McCallum
and other senior USG officials met members of the U.S.
travelling press and 5 senior members of the Australian press
for a press roundtable. Questions from U.S. press focused on
Turkey, while Australian journalists asked questions on F-22.


10. (U) Text of the AUSMIN 2008 Joint Communique, released on
February 23, 2008, and posted to the web, follows:

Begin text:

Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations
2008 Joint Communique

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith,
Australian Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon, U.S.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and U.S. Deputy Secretary

SIPDIS
of State John Negroponte, met in Canberra on 23 February 2008
for Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN)
consultations. The discussions confirmed the two countries'
strong commitment to the alliance and to working
cooperatively to meet common challenges.

The Alliance

Australia and the United States reaffirmed the enduring
strength of the alliance and its firm basis in shared values,
high levels of trust and a record of cooperation and shared
sacrifice. Both sides recalled the long history of defence
cooperation, reaching back to the world wars, and given
contemporary resonance by their current overseas commitments.
They noted that ANZUS, strengthened by more than fifty years
of cooperation and invoked for the first time following the
11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, continues to be the
foundation of a dynamic and broad-ranging security
relationship. Both sides agreed that the Australia-United
States alliance will continue to make a valuable contribution
to stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The discussions reflected the global dimension of
Australia-United States cooperation with both sides
reiterating their commitment to working together to confront
contemporary security challenges, including the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and global terrorism. Both
sides underlined that Australia and the United States benefit
from substantial convergence in their strategic and security
policy priorities.

Working Together to Meet Common Challenges

Australia and the United States emphasised their commitment
to a stable, united and democratic Iraq. They discussed plans
for the mid-year withdrawal of Australia's battle group from
southern Iraq, as well as both sides' commitment to
strengthening the capacity ofIraq's government and improving
conditions for the Iraqi people. Australia and the United
States see the International Compact with Iraq as providing
partners the best framework for contributing to Iraqi
Qpartners the best framework for contributing to Iraqi
self-sufficiency. They called on the international community,
including Iraq's neighbours, to assist Iraq's development as
a peaceful and democratic country.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to stabilisation and
reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The hopes of the
Afghan people for a stable, secure and prosperous future
depend on the long-term solid support of the international
community. To this end, the United States and Australia
emphasised the importance of working with international
partners and the Government of Afghanistan to develop a

CANBERRA 00000186 004.2 OF 007


comprehensive strategy to integrate more effectively
security, reconstruction and development activities. They
called on the international community, and in particular NATO
members, to sustain and enhance contributions to Afghanistan.

The two countries agreed on the need for constructive,
long-term engagement with Pakistan and discussed the results
of recent democratic elections there. As a key partner for
the international community's efforts in Afghanistan, both
sides commended Pakistan for its efforts there and its work
to combat extremism.

Australia and the United States reaffirmed their strong
support for efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, and
in particular for the negotiations between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority launched at the Annapolis Conference.
They emphasised their strong desire to see rapid progress to
implement the Roadmap and encouraged both parties to prevent
day-to-day developments from undermining their shared
objective of an Israeli-Palestinian agreement by the end of

2008. Both countries expressed concern at the humanitarian
situation in Gaza and remain committed to practical measures
to assist the Palestinian people.

The United States and Australia noted with concern the
continued political impasse in Lebanon over the election of a
new President. They reaffirmed their support for an
independent and democratic Lebanon free from outside
interference or violence.

Regional Cooperation

Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment
to working closely with the countries of Southeast Asia in
order to promote regional prosperity and security. They
agreed to continue to build capacity in Southeast Asia in key
areas such as counter-terrorism and maritime security.
Specifically, both sides agreed to assist regional countries
to improve port security and to constrain the movement of
terrorist finances.

Australia and the United States noted the importance of
increasing, broad-based engagement with Indonesia as a
democratic partner and welcomed Indonesia's growing role in
regional affairs. Both countries are encouraged by
Indonesia's good progress in strengthening democracy, its
commitment to fighting corruption and reforming the military
and its strong performance in combating terrorism. They
reiterated their commitment to supporting Indonesia in these
efforts, including by strengthening Indonesian security and
disaster relief capabilities.

The United States and Australia agreed to continue their
close collaboration with the Philippines, including
strategic-level efforts such as defence reform, building
capacity and military professionalism.

Both countries welcomed Thailand's return to a
democratically-elected government.

Australia and the United States shared concern over
QAustralia and the United States shared concern over
developments in Burma and the lack of progress towards
genuine political reform, national reconciliation, and a
transition to democracy. Both sides called on the Burmese
regime to cooperate with UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari in starting
a legitimate dialogue with democratic and ethnic minority
groups.

Australia and the United States condemned the 11 February
attacks on East Timor's democratically elected leadership and
expressed hope that President Ramos-Horta would make a speedy
and full recovery. Both countries welcomed the response of

CANBERRA 00000186 005.2 OF 007


the Timorese Government to the crisis. The two countries
reaffirmed their commitment to providing long-term support to
East Timor to address its development and security challenges.

The United States and Australia agreed to consult closely on
the evolution of regional fora such as the ASEAN Regional
Forum, and to build on the successes of the 2007 APEC summit
to enhance APEC's contributions to regional cooperation. The
two countries pledged to continue to work closely with Japan
through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD),noting the
importance of this and other fora in promoting shared
interests on a range of global and regional issues.

Australia and the United States welcomed China's increased
engagement in regional and global institutions, and
encouraged it to continue to enhance its efforts to address
contemporary challenges in a constructive manner. They
encouraged China to further build regional confidence in its
intentions, including by adopting a transparent approach to
its military modernisation.

The United States and Australia recognised that India's
stature as a democratic and prosperous country provides a
unique opportunity to advance shared political, economic, and
security interests in the region. The countries highlighted
their wish to work effectively with India to counter
terrorism, drug trafficking, and nuclear proliferation. Both
countries noted the significance of the U.S.-India
Civil-Nuclear Cooperation Initiative.

Australia and the United States confirmed their ongoing
commitment to promoting good governance, rule oflaw, and
economic development in the Pacific. In this regard, they
noted the important role the Pacific Islands Forum plays
towards stability in the region. They called upon Fiji
Interim Government Prime Minister Bainimarama to adhere to
his commitment to restore democratic government in Fiji by
holding elections no later than March 2009. Both countries
welcomed moves by the Pacific region to enhance regional law
enforcement cooperation, including on fisheries and maritime
law, as reflected in the Pacific Islands Forum Vava'u
Declaration and Leaders' undertaking to examine new
multilateral arrangements for exchange of fisheries law
enforcement data and enforcement cooperation. The United
States expressed a keen interest in engaging in such
discussions.

Countering Proliferation

Australia and the United States welcomed progress towards the
DPRK's denuclearisation made under the Six-Party Talks
process during 2007. They reiterated that a declaration of
the DPRK's nuclear programs is an essential step toward the
verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and urged
the DPRK to come forward with a complete and correct
declaration as soon as possible.
Qdeclaration as soon as possible.

Australia and the United States agreed that the illicit
transfer and unauthorised access to man-portable air defence
systems (MANP ADS) by terrorist and other non-state actors
pose an on-going potential threat to international civil and
military aviation. They agreed to continue their efforts to
encourage the international community to adopt and adhere to
strengthened MANP ADS counter-proliferation controls,
including implementing United Nations General Assembly
resolution 62/40; other multilateral and regional
commitments; offers of assistance to help countries reduce
the vulnerabilities of airports to MANP ADS; and involvement
in U.S. stockpile security and destruction programs.

Australia and the United States reaffirmed their commitment
to work in close partnership to combat the proliferation of

CANBERRA 00000186 006.2 OF 007


weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems.
Both countries agreed on their shared interest in maintaining
and strengthening the effectiveness of the treaty-based WMD
regimes including through efforts to ensure full compliance
with obligations. They reaffirmed their support for the
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) as a practical means
for countries to cooperate to disrupt the flow of illicit WMD
materials. The United States and Australia reaffirmed their
commitment to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear
Terrorism. They noted that they looked forward to expanding
activities related to the initiative and assisting partner
nations to implement the Statement of Principles. They
underscored the importance of all Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) parties working for outcomes from the 2010 NPT
Review Conference that reinforce this vital Treaty. They
strongly support
ed universal implementation of the Additional Protocol to
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards
agreements which would deliver substantial security benefits
to all countries.

Australia and the United States agreed that continuing
progress on nuclear arms reductions plays an important part
in maintaining political support for the NPT. They reaffirmed
their commitment to the nuclear disarmament goals of the NPT.
They noted that as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
had not entered into force, existing moratoriums on nuclear
testing should be maintained.

The two countries remained deeply concerned by Iran's nuclear
activities including its defiance of UN Security Council
resolutions requiring Iran to suspend all uranium
enrichment-related, reprocessing and heavy water-related
activities and cooperate fully with the IAEA. They agreed to
continue working together and with the international
community in relevant fora to urge Iran to comply fully with
its international obligations and to provide full
transparency regarding its nuclear activities, especially
past military involvement in its nuclear program. Both
countries underlined the UN Security Council's important
responsibilities in support of a diplomatic solution to the
Iran nuclear issue. They noted the recent limited progress in
the IAEA' s efforts in Iran but affirmed that the
international community is not yet able to verify that Iran's
nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, given Iran's
failure to declare all of its nuclear activities, disclose
fully past military involvement in its nuclear p
rogram and permit IAEA verification that it has ceased
nuclear activities.

Defence Relations

Australia and the United States highlighted their interest in
further deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

Both sides took note of the U.S.-Australia Treaty on Defence
QBoth sides took note of the U.S.-Australia Treaty on Defence
Trade Cooperation signed in September 2007 and the good
progress being made in concluding its implementing
arrangements. They noted that once ratified, the Treaty will
ease the barriers to how the two countries share defence
technologies, thereby improving interoperability of their
defence forces and enhancing the two nations' security.

Australia and the United States noted the good working-level
relationship between both sides' military forces and
improvements in joint training and interoperability. In that
context, they welcomed the forthcoming Exercise Talisman
Sabre 2009. They also welcomed closer cooperation in
intelligence matters, as well as the emergence of new areas
of cooperative endeavour such as humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief.


CANBERRA 00000186 007.2 OF 007


Australia and the United States agreed to establish a joint
investment program to develop a combined Humanitarian
Assistance/Disaster Relief capability, with both countries
considering it important to enhance their ability to respond
to contingencies in the region. They agreed to work on the
details of the agreement over the coming year.

Both countries noted the significant benefit of working
together in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and
agreed to establish a combined team to pursue options for
enhancing collaboration in the field.

Australia and the United States agreed to finalise
negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to the
continuation of the Joint Combined Training Capability, and
noted the Joint Combined Training Capability's significance
in reducing the cost and improving the quality of combined
training.

Australia and the United States signed a Statement of
Principles establishing a military satellite communications
partnership. Both governments committed to taking forward the
partnership in a manner which benefits the defence
capabilities of the Australian Defence Forces and the U.S.
military. Australia and the United States also agreed on
principles for enhancing aspects of the intelligence
relationship.

Next AUSMIN Meeting

The United States agreed to host the next AUSMIN meeting in

2009.

End text.

MCCALLUM