Fed: Latham unmoved by US criticisms of alliance plans

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2004
Fed: Latham unmoved by US criticisms of alliance plans

The federal opposition says it puts a high value on Australia's alliance with the US,
despite recent claims by Opposition Leader MARK LATHAM that Australia isn't an equal partner.

Mr LATHAM said last week that under a Labor government, Australia would be an equal
partner in the alliance, not a deputy sheriff.

The US government has formally rejected his claims about the state of the alliance,
with the State Department saying it's neither well-informed nor well-based.

State Department spokesman KURTIS COOPER says equality is the bedrock of the alliance.

Mr LATHAM says that's the way it should be, and he's glad to hear the US thinks so too.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman KEVIN RUDD says Labor puts a high value on the
alliance, and it's broad enough to sustain disagreements.

AAP RTV mfh/sb/wjf/rp

KEYWORD: US LATHAM (CANBERRA)

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