http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/foreign.xmlMedia releases and speeches.afMon, 21 Jan 2008 04:30:34 GMTFri, 04 Jul 2008 08:31:16 GMTFeed Editor (Unlicensed)http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s107_08.htmlThe Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, HE Mr Noppadon Pattama, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, the Hon Stephen Smith MP, met in Bangkok on 4 July 2008, during Mr Smith’s first visit to Thailand as Foreign Minister. {32b7a1f0-79d1-dba8-bb68-17cffd1cf36}Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:29:19 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s106_08.htmlI am pleased to announce today - here in Bangkok – my decision to make permanent the Australia-Thailand Institute (ATI). {6ba8ee8-5a86-1a81-a0c2-f52b7a62481}Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:30:05 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s105_08.htmlI had the opportunity this week to visit two great examples of collaboration between the people of Thailand and Australia. Both underscore the strength and depth of bilateral relations between our two nations. {85af8063-d03e-be3b-eeeb-b6072f6c6aa}Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:30:49 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-aa0848.htmlAustralia will provide up to $500,000 to help train senior members of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam in fighting corruption. {e1c8ff07-2129-8905-5b37-76a6469aad9f}Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:31:16 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s104_08.htmlI will be visiting Vietnam and Thailand from 1-4 July to advance two important bilateral relationships in South-East Asia.5596A6FA-EEFB-46E7-9D2D-F2E3633C912CMon, 30 Jun 2008 05:11:02 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s103_08.htmlThe Australian Government has today notified the Fiji Interim Government of its agreement to the appointment of an Acting High Commissioner in Canberra and a Consul-General in Sydney.48135E0A-38D0-457A-9074-CE005652F63AMon, 30 Jun 2008 05:10:08 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s102_08.htmlMr Marc Innes-Brown is to be Australia's new Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran and is expected to take up his appointment in August 2008. Mr Innes-Brown will succeed Mr Greg Moriarty, who has been Ambassador since March 2005. 03A6F04E-E4B5-4528-8149-51CC4C14CAA1Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:57:46 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s101_08.htmlAustralia welcomes the announcement that the DPRK has provided a declaration of its nuclear programs to China, as Chair of the Six‑Party Talks.4C7A89D2-C3AA-4829-BEAE-605B7DF2C702Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:34:40 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s100_08.htmlForeign Minister Stephen Smith will be travelling to Japan on 26-28 June to attend a Trilateral Strategic Dialogue Ministerial meeting between Australia, Japan and the United States.{12dbc88e-9e2a-d06d-4427-89ffb5759569}Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:35:22 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s099_08.htmlThe decision by the President of the Opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai, not to contest the presidential run-off election on 27 June, demonstrates the extremes to which the brutal Mugabe regime has pushed Zimbabwe.{7cd8b53b-fc0c-afbd-8ec6-a3e0ab5dc99}Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:48:21 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080623.htmlAt the Australia-India Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue in Canberra on 23 June, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, and the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee, underlined the strong bonds and enduring shared interests which underpin the Australia-India relationship.{fb7bd832-94ef-f436-b4bd-be76ecae7683}Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:20:13 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s098_08.htmlIndian Minister for External Affairs, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, will visit Australia between 22-24 June.{8f9a508b-237e-3404-5dad-ea2d74c29e93}Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:36:31 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080620_india.htmlSpeech by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.{99c73109-4c39-9dac-6482-cdfc82df84d5}Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:05:43 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-aa0845.htmlThe Australian Government will provide further assistance of up to $750,000 to help disaster recovery and risk reduction activities in earthquake affected areas of Sichuan Province.{560ecb82-55c3-e637-47a6-46077b6fc4ef}Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:33:27 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s097_08.htmlForeign Minister Stephen Smith was pleased to meet this week the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for Timor-Leste, Dr Atul Khare.{8f75efae-e7fe-ae71-7b38-827d8de717af}Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:24:16 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s096_08.htmlMr Paul Grigson is to be Australia’s new Ambassador to Thailand.{af8aa9b1-8561-30a3-ee2a-297f3230b5d0}Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:59:40 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s095_08.htmlMr John Richardson is to be Australia’s new Ambassador to the Argentine Republic, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Uruguay and the Republic of Paraguay.{352bac49-f193-f3b3-c906-abab1cec440c}Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:59:22 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s094_08.htmlMr Robert Tyson is to be Australia’s new Ambassador to Iraq.{d415dda9-9935-2751-a916-28b943bc129}Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:59:04 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080612_afghanistan.htmlStatement by Australia to the International Support Conference for Afghanistan{ad915a49-1c55-78d9-65f3-84cd32a3284c}Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:40:13 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s093_08.htmlAustralia will pledge $250 million to assist Afghanistan provide better health and education services, secure food supplies in the face of rising world prices, support its police force and expand mine action programs.{fea4c87e-c284-22a7-6d30-4081ee62f457}Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:35:08 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080609_kuwait.htmlSpeech by Foreign Minister Smith at the Formal Opening of the Australian Embassy Kuwait City.{8ddb42d-6e3c-b808-547f-944bafe6bb84}Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:21:55 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s090_08.htmlThe Australian Government is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Joseph Kabui, President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville.{80e67cf1-825f-3dc0-f636-72ad769f9402}Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:43:24 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s089_08.htmlThe overwhelming view coming out of the FAO Food Security Conference in Rome this week is the need for international coordination and cooperation in the long term approach to food security.{a5e68a30-6b67-1268-b3cd-b4057e37bdff}Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:57:29 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080604_fao.htmlStatement delivered by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on behalf of the Government of Australia to the Food and Agriculture Organisation High Level Conference on Food Security{3dd2b63-6ee4-1fd5-b278-4292a1bffe1c}Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:03:58 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s088_08.htmlThe Australian Government unreservedly condemns the car bombing earlier today outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs John Faulkner){ab8a386f-3d56-ddd-a572-f0916f72382d}Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:26:25 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s087_08.htmlForeign Minister Stephen Smith will be travelling to Italy to participate, on 3 and 4 June, in the High Level Conference on Global Food Security being organised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).{933ccf19-40df-b7d2-27e8-7df6cfe4f}Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:56:23 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s086_08.htmlMr Tom Connor is to be Australia’s new Consul-General for Australia in Shanghai.{83dbb985-953a-7884-53c1-c795f27f553e}Thu, 29 May 2008 23:35:49 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s085_08.htmlMr Graeme Swift will be Australia's next Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City.{b001dc10-11d8-f6fe-fd6-24eebc60743d}Thu, 29 May 2008 23:35:30 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s084a_08.htmlMs Ruth Pearce has been appointed as Australia's Ambassador to the Republic of Poland with concurrent accreditation to the Czech Republic.{12bd4999-86a6-b6be-ac3a-114676b49f23}Thu, 29 May 2008 23:35:04 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s084_08.htmlAustralia will join more than 85 other countries at a Senior-Level Meeting in Washington today to reaffirm our long-standing commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and set strategic directions for its future.{c512d86-492c-3062-d1c7-64bbe589973e}Wed, 28 May 2008 10:55:28 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s083_08.htmlI regret that overnight the Burmese military regime extended the detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the last democratically elected Burmese leader.{2c03e1b8-6eea-8795-826b-fd6dfc7bcdc}Wed, 28 May 2008 10:56:06 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080527_aspi.htmlSpeech by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith at the launch of Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Strategy Report on Indonesia{f79920c1-5747-d649-fe15-f75f1ab247f9}Tue, 27 May 2008 01:20:00 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080526_africa_day.htmlSpeech by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith{f851f4cb-9981-b78d-1ac1-e73ad119c087}Mon, 26 May 2008 23:44:09 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080526.htmlThe Australian Government will invest $4.5 million in helping developing countries reduce deforestation as part of international efforts to tackle climate change.{2b6d5cc3-564b-29f6-32e-2cdb4a383117}Mon, 26 May 2008 00:11:10 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s082_08.htmlAustralia will be represented at the International Pledging Conference in Rangoon on 25 May by the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, the Hon Bob McMullan MP.{276822dc-1c95-8ed2-e54b-1993ebb47c67}Sat, 24 May 2008 03:39:28 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s081_08.htmlAustralia welcomes the agreement reached by Lebanese leaders yesterday in Doha.{f661b87b-bdb0-ada8-9541-ad314b64ee34}Thu, 22 May 2008 05:15:50 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080_08.htmlThe Australian Government remains deeply concerned by recent serious and credible threats directed at the Australian High Commission in Suva.{c559760-b21a-b5a0-63c6-af03566839c6}Tue, 20 May 2008 01:54:51 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-aa0838.htmlThe Australian Government will provide further assistance of $1 million to help rescue and recovery efforts in Sichuan Province following the tragic earthquake and recent aftershocks.{1ce51551-7663-3711-7251-c36e6335acb2}Tue, 20 May 2008 01:35:30 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s079_08.htmlThe Australian Government believes that the time has come for the international community to address the impact of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable humanitarian harm.{9c2130fc-958b-e90a-bb12-98f9a31dd79b}Mon, 19 May 2008 23:12:14 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080517.htmlThe United Nations Committee Against Torture has commended several new initiatives of the Rudd Government in its concluding observations released today, after an Australian delegation appeared before the Committee on 29 and 30 April.{fcc638cf-b6bc-26a2-b6b5-e07e9c6b1214}Thu, 22 May 2008 00:51:15 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s074a_08.htmlAll Australians have been deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life and suffering of so many people following the catastrophic earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province on 12 May.{8f142730-ef13-e79d-da6c-d6c6d61c428e}Sun, 18 May 2008 23:43:25 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s075a_08.htmlIt is deeply distressing that the Burmese regime saw fit to push ahead with its sham referendum instead of focusing its energies on the massive humanitarian tragedy in the wake of Cyclone Nargis.{9662d027-8e18-775e-aaef-94125235626f}Fri, 16 May 2008 09:37:35 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s076_08.htmlThe Australian High Commission in Fiji has today received a second death threat against the High Commissioner and his staff.{4e10c434-9919-9753-da31-9d6d7d62acf7}Thu, 15 May 2008 04:58:33 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080514.htmlAfter careful deliberation, the Coordination Committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has today selected an Australian, Dr Francis Gurry, as the nominee for the position of Director General of WIPO.{12c05cef-731b-8555-d7dc-ba2fb2265bf3}Wed, 14 May 2008 10:58:32 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s075_08.htmlThe Australian Government welcomes the decision by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to readmit Pakistan to the Councils of the Commonwealth immediately and unconditionally.{179eca24-6d3d-ebc8-d498-99961b0fb3a5}Wed, 14 May 2008 10:58:04 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s074_08.htmlThe Australian Government condemns last night’s bombings in the Indian city of Jaipur and offers its deepest sympathies to the victims of the attack, their families and the people of India.{9e341b50-4314-898b-6bac-8d0b65834b91}Wed, 14 May 2008 01:07:54 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080513_budget2.htmlThe Government has funded a range of new measures to deliver on its election commitments in the areas of international affairs, development assistance and trade.{f9ae3df7-588f-218b-7d83-1f6dcd7e8daa}Tue, 13 May 2008 10:28:44 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080513_budget1.htmlIn the 2008-09 Budget, the Government has announced a number of measures to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.{80b2ecc6-4701-5c00-4610-67733c10d1d9}Tue, 13 May 2008 10:28:26 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080513_budget3.htmlThe Australian Government has provided $61 million over three years towards Australia’s participation in World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.{c263c88c-fd5b-e8ab-d7cf-aca6e5114cde}Tue, 13 May 2008 10:28:08 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080513_budget4.htmlThe 2008-09 Budget lays the foundation for implementing the Government’s long‑term commitment to increase Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2015-16.{94f63be9-8266-120-fcb8-f47f1504aea2}Tue, 13 May 2008 10:27:48 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s073a_08.htmlOn behalf of all Australians, the Foreign Minister extends his deepest sympathies to those affected by the terrible earthquake in Sichuan Province, China.{26eb7ae9-8067-c5b5-8992-e6e7915e40b9}Tue, 13 May 2008 03:37:43 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s073_08.htmlThe Australian Government has today renewed calls for universal adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).{1d872138-b842-6fdc-d972-9ceb79b8725}Mon, 12 May 2008 11:39:17 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s072_08.htmlAustralia will provide $25 million in humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma following Cyclone Nargis.{4df194a-7249-2d9c-9a51-34df8faa7272}Sun, 11 May 2008 23:32:02 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s071_08.htmlThe Australian Foreign Minister is concerned by the escalation in political violence and tension in Lebanon.{15a24b3e-f4fb-516a-fdc-50037de249b6}Sun, 11 May 2008 23:31:45 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s070_08.htmlThe destruction and loss of life caused by Cyclone Nargis has been a terrible tragedy for the people of Burma.{422c75a2-1a8e-3239-d6a5-8e05db4a8825}Sun, 11 May 2008 23:31:19 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080507_korea_press_foundation.htmlSpeech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Korea Press Foundation, Seoul.{cd4fdbb5-ce6a-d4b5-653-a9fdc231d1a1}Wed, 07 May 2008 06:47:14 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s069_08.htmlAustralia will provide $3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma affected by Cyclone Nargis.{155b127-6217-79c8-c53a-36a6113fcfdb}Tue, 06 May 2008 23:42:09 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080506_austcham_hong_kong.htmlSpeech to the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and Macau.{836c7b6f-3739-38e5-4e39-71c6816549de}Tue, 06 May 2008 23:24:41 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s068_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister will visit Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, and Japan from 5 to 9 May to advance Australia’s important political and economic interests in North Asia.{896d330d-3e18-8be2-2fb8-138a0f0ce67}Sun, 04 May 2008 23:17:00 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s067_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister welcomes President Bush’s statement overnight that the 10 May Burma referendum is a fatally flawed process.{4b8d91d6-ffef-3fa1-76a6-e27dc0e09e3}Fri, 02 May 2008 06:37:02 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080503.htmlThe Rudd Government today welcomed the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.{67255244-bea1-8216-de29-846793ccc58}Mon, 05 May 2008 06:42:15 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080502.htmlAttorney-General Robert McClelland and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith have announced that the Rudd Government has begun the necessary consultations on Australia becoming a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.{49bead69-f8f5-39c2-6ab8-91cbb9423a6}Mon, 05 May 2008 06:41:57 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s066_08.htmlThe deportation of Evan Hannah, an Australian citizen and the publisher of The Fiji Times, from Fiji this morning is a reprehensible attack by the illegal Fiji Interim Government on human rights and freedom of speech.{ab9ba9cc-c12a-f84d-2ef5-3a14133174ad}Fri, 02 May 2008 05:50:45 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s065_08.htmlI am very disturbed by the report that Evan Hannah, an Australian citizen and publisher of The Fiji Times, has been taken from his house into detention and looks likely to be summarily deported from Fiji.{525eb347-eaf7-1209-d868-25de58255084}Thu, 01 May 2008 11:03:46 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s064_08.htmlOn 29 and 30 April, the Burmese Embassy in Canberra conducted voting for certain Burmese citizens ahead of the constitutional referendum in Burma on 10 May.{6edc8b4e-8078-816c-d7ce-8e8a70b51331}Thu, 01 May 2008 01:20:42 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-aa0834.htmlThe Australian Government will provide $30 million in emergency assistance to countries affected by steep rises in the prices of essential food supplies.{fb6c24c6-9cf4-2274-6c8-dfcfe1dac339}Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:25:55 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s063_08.htmlThe Australian Government is appalled at the likelihood of further delays in the finalisation of the Presidential election result in Zimbabwe.{128d99d1-e3ec-a38-80f7-832590cf56ea}Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:46:36 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s062_08.htmlMs Margaret Twomey has been appointed as Australia's Ambassador to the Russian Federation.{15e8ef27-63ba-366d-dad9-8c799c0a8001}Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:15:13 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s061_08.htmlMr Evan Williams has been appointed as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus.{884a3ed4-f186-e089-a8fc-c91f2d29fa0}Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:14:27 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080425_anzac.htmlForeign Minister Stephen Smith's speech at the ANZAC Day dawn service, Bomana Cemetery, Port Moresby PNG.{1810d021-2c0f-b8ba-b064-babd7034edb2}Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:04:46 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s060_08.htmlThe Australian Government welcomes reports that China has agreed to initiate contact and consultations with the Dalai Lama’s representatives.{50628a40-233d-db88-6c26-37849fc37457}Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:44:28 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s059_08.htmlThe 18th Australia- Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum will take place in Madang in Papua New Guinea on 23 April. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will co-chair the Forum with his Papua New Guinea Ministerial counterpart Mr Sam Abal MP.{d84b6e7-7149-adfa-3dcd-426573fd59e}Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:32:11 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080414.htmlThe Australian Government is disappointed that 551 minke whales were killed during the 2007/08 summer, but both pleased and relieved that Japan did not proceed with the hunt of humpback or fin whales.{ea59680-967e-beac-7313-fb4baa7fc31d}Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:22:46 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s058_08.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs is very concerned that the brutal Mugabe regime now appears to be set on a course of clinging to power at all costs, irrespective of the will of the Zimbabwean people.{a060abe4-4767-2922-6c28-b874b54ee491}Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:12:47 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s057_08.htmlThe Australian Government welcomes the successful holding of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly elections on 10 April.{2d7bd7c1-566e-8a07-2285-8b801acd58a2}Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:24:25 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s056_08.htmlAustralia condemns the suicide bombing near Colombo on 6 April which killed senior Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister, Mr Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister for Highways and Road Development and Chief Government Whip in the Parliament.{abadd85f-c5e-e741-57b5-920fdd01ff57}Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:00:19 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s055_08.htmlI have confirmed the appointment of Ms Michelle Chan as Australia’s new Ambassador to Burma. Ms Chan will succeed Mr Bob Davis who has been Ambassador since April 2005. Ms Chan is expected to take up her appointment in June 2008.{13b38bfe-98c6-8530-c69f-39004ea5d10c}Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:47:18 GMThttp://www.ausaid.gov.au/media/release.cfm?BC=Media&ID=1879_2191_3708_8528_7384Australia will mark International Mine Action Day on 4 April with an expanded contribution to landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance in Afghanistan.{24f7c54e-932c-bad8-72c3-746999a4be6}Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:46:52 GMThttp://www.ausaid.gov.au/media/release.cfm?BC=Media&ID=6383_8005_3648_9236_9692Australia will provide further support for peace-building efforts in East Timor and help improve long-term disaster management capacities.{34b49aa2-26a-74fa-ec10-ebb5ebeba6ef}Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:46:26 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s053_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister has condemned reported comments by Abu Bakar Bashir.{fd91640f-cdf0-f9a-4e2-5e2e7b28ae7d}Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:12:07 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s052_08.htmlThe Australian Government remains deeply concerned about Tibet and neighbouring areas and continues to monitor the situation closely.{e174e19d-d077-ff1d-3444-6c6fee0e9614}Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:46:57 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-aa0817.htmlThe Foreign Minister has announced the inaugural winners of the prestigious Allison Sudradjat Scholarships.{da88eff4-4f44-20d4-327c-f26688db2909}Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:03:04 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080315.htmlThe Australian Government is concerned about reports of unrest in Lhasa.{474d30f5-6723-6f52-6032-f051a2c3bf19}Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:46:52 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s051_08.htmlThe Australian Government welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Kai Eide of Norway as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.{9ceca4a-b6f9-6943-b8dd-a9fbd7d98c3b}Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:50:32 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s050_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister welcomes today’s decision by Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board to postpone the Australian Cricket Team’s planned tour of Pakistan.{dd951047-c456-e3a7-b305-158bb8631765}Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:03:50 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s049_08.htmlJapanese officials have now advised the Australian Embassy in Tokyo that during the incident in the Southern Ocean this afternoon, three “warning balls” – also known as “flashbangs” – had been fired.{f15930d5-d6c7-2d53-8fec-4b7799257152}Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:34:51 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s048_08.htmlThe Government is aware of reports of another incident this afternoon in the Southern Ocean in which bottles were thrown on board a Japanese whaling vessel by crew members of the Steve Irwin.{5a709ea4-328c-eeab-65aa-df4b7bb356f9}Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:34:35 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s047_08.htmlAustralian Officials in Jakarta have received a copy of the Indonesian Supreme Court’s decision to commute the death sentences of the three Australians, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Matthew Norman, and Si Yi Chen, to life imprisonment.{1309a2b9-6cba-9fe0-9d0f-5eb376206a89}Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:11:31 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s046_08.htmlText of a statement delivered in Geneva by Australia’s representative to the Seventh Session of the Human Rights Council on 5 March 2008.{797e8042-5600-32ca-f54e-4bcc2d6bd654}Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:50:41 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s045_08.htmlMs Stephanie Shwabsky has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to Egypt.{8f7ed288-531e-6a7b-1405-44e2ccdea1ca}Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:50:17 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s044_08.htmlIN2OZ, a major Australian cultural diplomacy program in Indonesia in 2008, has been announced by the Foreign Minister.{639e90e1-7d62-a270-56f2-918063ebf240}Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:49:49 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s043_08.htmlAustralia welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1803 on Iran, which reaffirms the international community's serious concerns in regard to Iran's nuclear activities.{536a57e9-ca3-2db0-d59b-f912918b972}Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:15:05 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s042_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister is deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, which is causing loss of life and injury among civilian populations on both sides and undermines the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.{31a13827-5c2c-8309-ba51-36b3351b82db}Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:13:09 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s041_08.htmlThe Government is aware of reports of an incident this morning in the Southern Ocean in which liquid and powder substances were thrown on board a Japanese whaling vessel by crew members of the Steve Irwin.{743f78d0-3829-e27f-3c2f-a4b78bfb429f}Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:53:21 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s038_08.htmlToday marks the 35th Anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and Vietnam.{3328c5b6-4ba-660f-52d8-8b21aa87c84}Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:26:44 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080222.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, and the Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, today announced that Australia will host the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Canberra on 23 February 2008.{dffc29fc-8bd5-d725-d3ae-9f9fe8132dc9}Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:37:23 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s034_08.htmlAustralia has today formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state.{4963ea93-be87-bcf-e00b-d2e94f4025b5}Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:59:01 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s033_08.htmlThe moratorium on mining and drilling in the Torres Strait has been extended for an indefinite period.{edfda4a3-829c-7399-a418-7aa867edae34}Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:59:40 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s032_08.htmlMs Libby Schick has been appointed as Australia’s new Consul-General in Chicago, USA.{c39ca2ef-ac7e-fb63-a00c-3b65197f2008}Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:30:17 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s031_08.htmlMr Les Luck has been appointed as Australia’s new Consul-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China.{a0c45d10-1c8e-2fa-879f-a24add37cb48}Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:52:48 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s030_08.htmlMs Lydia Morton has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Australian Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).{a054c6a3-f80c-d2d-399-437f4f31ebc}Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:52:20 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s029_08.htmlMr Jeremy Newman has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic.{df03a5eb-65f0-d1fe-d611-753c8abfb44}Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:51:24 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s028_08.htmlThe Australian Government welcomes the formation of a new government in Thailand, sworn-in by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday.{c2af2c2e-4d9e-f6cf-b81a-b76f3f96d6ab}Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:08:56 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080207_wirajuda.htmlSpeech Notes for lunch in honour of Dr Hassan Wirajuda, Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs: Perth, Australia.{c95a488b-50c5-2de6-6cd8-28a02af28b5b}Thu, 07 Feb 2008 04:01:35 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s027_08.htmlIndonesian Foreign Minister Dr Hassan Wirajuda and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith have exchanged notes to bring into force the Australia-Indonesia Framework for Security Cooperation (the Lombok Treaty).{6962121-8cce-bed8-cf57-b18fefbf42a}Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:43:59 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s026_08.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Hassan Wirajuda, will visit Australia from 7 to 9 February 2008.{b11884c0-48d3-313c-acd8-229a61678c2b}Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:26:12 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s025_08.htmlAustralia welcomes the recent ratifications of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by Colombia, Malaysia and Barbados.{376bed14-d3f6-ef2b-ddb2-29248e317a01}Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:27:36 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s024_08.htmlThe Australian Government strongly condemns the suicide bombing in Dimona in Southern Israel on 4 February, in which three people have been reported killed and 11 wounded.{da91b0b8-477d-fcfc-c700-bb3cbff9614b}Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:17:23 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s023_08.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Jiechi, will visit Australia as a Guest of Government on 4-5 February 2008.{bef4c737-dd6c-1dc7-3516-5d435dfdb951}Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:43:26 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080201_tokyo.htmlSpeech Notes for the Japan National Press Club{77fdf5a7-5556-b268-e278-45faf9db892f}Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:35:48 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s080201.htmlAustralia and Japan have signed a new tax treaty to replace the existing treaty which was signed in 1969.{68ecbdb4-2ffd-4d57-426b-c1e2d32d36d5}Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:28:15 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s021_08.htmlAustralia is deeply disturbed by the further surge in violence that has occurred in Kenya over recent days.{344b9b1-9cf-a6a7-185e-a332fa49c7dd}Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:24:43 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s020_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister will travel to the United States and Japan from 24 January to 2 February 2008 to take forward three key elements of the Australian Government’s foreign policy.{da08737b-73b-b216-5d9c-47694302ca99}Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:22:14 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s082301.htmlThe Australian Government will provide $6.5 million to help Bangladeshi communities recover from Cyclone Sidr, which caused widespread devastation in November.{6e2767f1-cd08-9e34-d4f2-96085ad38b3b}Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:50:29 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s019_08.htmlThe Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, welcomes the return to parliamentary democracy in Thailand - the elected Thai Parliament convened on 21 January following peaceful and orderly elections held on 23 December 2007.thai-parliamentary-electionsTue, 22 Jan 2008 10:43:35 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s018_08.htmlMr Rod Smith has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines.{69583c82-29df-9205-6b4e-d527fb2af10}Tue, 22 Jan 2008 02:48:29 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s017_08.htmlMr Martin Quinn has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to Afghanistan.{806d3ff7-63fc-e134-852e-791c66c91543}Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:22:57 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s016_08.htmlThe Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Stephen Smith, has announced the lifting of visa restrictions for Solomon Islands Members of Parliament who seek to travel to, or transit through, Australia.australia-lifts-visa-restrictions-for-solomon-islaMon, 21 Jan 2008 04:30:34 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s015_08.htmlThe Foreign Minister calls on all parties to ensure a quick and safe transfer of two members of the crew of the Steve Irwin, including Australian Benjamin Potts, who remain on board a Japanese whaling ship in the Southern Ocean.{af14db12-48f3-4fa-86ca-1b09c55a3d9c}Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:20:36 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s014_08.htmlAs part of the Government’s overall election commitments, like other government agencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s budget will be reduced.{2b62e854-825c-1bf8-557e-7988f7436138}Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:03:26 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s013_08.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the attack overnight, for which Taliban extremists have reportedly claimed responsibility, on the Serena Hotel in the Afghan capital of Kabul.{b8a055e-e975-cc59-3870-6f472b70d207}Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:18:39 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s012_08.htmlThe Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes Japan’s decision to pass a new Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law providing the legal basis for Japan’s Self Defence Force to resume critical maritime refuelling in support of coalition operations in Afghanistan.{9d64da8-f246-a94e-5df1-f8baff8babf}Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:23:38 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s010_08.htmlMr David Alexander Ritchie has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to the French Republic{abc89875-fb69-cf66-432d-da7bf8568049}Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:15:52 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s011_08.htmlMr Billy Williams has been appointed as Australia’s new High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana.{764ad82-4339-9dfd-f5c0-a36bebe0c535}Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:15:28 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s009_08.htmlAustralia will provide $1 million to organisations helping to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the terrible post-election violence in Kenya and to resolve and prevent further conflict.australian-humanitarian-aid-for-kenyaSun, 06 Jan 2008 04:59:55 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s007_08.htmlAustralia is deeply concerned by the violence that has reportedly killed around 300 people following the announcement of the results of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on 27 December.violence-in-kenyaSat, 05 Jan 2008 22:35:49 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s008_08.htmlAustralia is concerned about the Sri Lankan Government's announcement that it intends to withdraw from the 2002 ceasefire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.  This could lead to further escalation of violence, including against civilians.australia-concerned-at-recent-developments-in-sriSat, 05 Jan 2008 22:34:18 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s040108.htmlLate last year, the Government announced a range of measures to put pressure on Japan to end whaling in the Southern Ocean.{e68120dd-bd37-108e-c2ba-4c7f7e664798}Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:16:05 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s006_07.htmlAustralia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, has expressed the nation's deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan following the murder of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi.assassination-of-benazir-bhuttoSat, 29 Dec 2007 06:52:04 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s005a_07.htmlAustralia welcomes the announcement by Japan that it will suspend its plans to kill humpback whales in the Southern Ocean this season. The Australian Government strongly believes that there is no credible justification for the hunting of any whales and will vigorously pursue its efforts to see an end to whaling by Japan.australia-welcomes-suspension-of-humpback-whalingSat, 22 Dec 2007 02:04:45 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s005_07.htmlToday marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People's Republic of China(PRC).35th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations-with-chinSat, 22 Dec 2007 02:01:50 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s004_07.htmlMr Kevin Magee is Australia’s new Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with non-resident accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen.{545a778b-2803-df1b-81dd-4470e707bfdf}Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:22:28 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s003_07.htmlMs Kathy Klugman is Australia's new High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, with non-resident accreditation to the Republic of Maldives.{f339f5e3-aa92-e2d1-3155-f93be889451b}Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:21:33 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s002_07.htmlThe Australian Government will formally urge Japan to end the slaughter of whales in the Southern Ocean by increasing diplomatic pressure on Japan, upgrading efforts at the International Whaling Commission, pursuing legal action, and collecting evidence of Japan's whaling activities.australia-acts-to-stop-whalingWed, 19 Dec 2007 03:54:59 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2007/071203.htmlAddress by the Minister for Foreign Affairs at a reception for the Diplomatic Corps, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra{359d7498-3592-1230-1bef-8163ae604d9c}Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:26:07 GMThttp://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2007/fa-s001_07.htmlThe Hon Stephen Smith MP has been appointed as Minister for Foreign Affairs in the incoming Rudd Labor Government.{fa8145d5-9ec3-aad7-4470-cf247c47669e}Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:27:22 GMT