Media Release

FA163 - 20 December 2003

Libya Forsakes Weapons of Mass Destruction

I welcome statements by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair that Libya has agreed to forsake weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and allow weapons inspectors from international organisations into the country.

I applaud Libyan President Colonel Gaddafi's historic decision. This is an important step which will put Libya back on the path towards productive relations with the international community.

Libya's actions show that effective action against WMD proliferation is achieving results. Australia has been working closely with the United States, United Kingdom and others to send a clear message that WMD proliferation must stop.

Colonel Gaddafi's decision will enable Libya to give up its WMD programs peacefully, through open engagement with international bodies. His acceptance of the need for transparency contrasts with Saddam's defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions calling on Iraq to demonstrate it had abandoned its WMD ambitions.

Australia is a partner with the United States, United Kingdom and eight other countries in the Proliferation Security Initiative, which is seeking to develop practical ways to impede illicit trade in WMD including through maritime, air and ground interdiction. Australia is also permanent chair of the Australia Group seeking to control the legitimate international trade in sensitive chemical and biological materials.

Australia has also been working in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to deal with the specific threat of nuclear proliferation. Iran's signature on 18 December of a safeguards-strengthening Additional Protocol to its IAEA nuclear safeguards agreement is a result of these efforts.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555

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