Government welcomes the withdrawal of the Japanese whaling fleet

Joint media release: Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Environment Minister Tony Burke

18 February 2011

The Government welcomes Japan's decision to recall its whaling fleet from the Southern Ocean for the current whaling season.

This is a positive step. But the Government wants to see an end to whaling, not just for a season, but for good.

There is widespread concern in the international community at Japan's so called "scientific" whaling program and widespread calls for it to cease.

These activities are contrary to international law and that is why we have commenced, and will continue, our case in the International Court of Justice.

We are pleased to see the Japanese fleet returning home.

We hope that the Japanese Government takes this opportunity to reconsider its whaling policy more broadly.

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