Interview with Sabra Lane, AM Program, ABC Radio

Subjects: Libya, domestic politics

Transcript, E&OE, proof only

12 April 2011

TONY EASTLEY: The Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is heading to Vietnam and Europe this morning.

Before taking off, he again said it was time for Libya's Colonel Qaddafi and his family to leave Libya. Mr Rudd spoke to AM's Sabra Lane.

KEVIN RUDD: In the last 24 hours I've spoken to Dr Mahmoud Jibril of the Transitional National Council of Libya. Australia believes that it's useful that the African Union is working towards a diplomatic solution here but plainly the Transitional Council have a firm and fundamental view that a future democratic process in Libya can only be conducted in the absence of Colonel Qaddafi.

SABRA LANE: Colonel Qaddafi's son Saif al Islam admits that it is time for new blood in his country's leadership, Mr Rudd, but he says talk of his father stepping down is absolutely ridiculous.

KEVIN RUDD: When it comes to the continued role of the Qaddafi family, together with the United States, Australia has the most profound reservations. We believe that Qaddafi and his family and the regime that they represent has lost legitimacy, both domestically and certainly in the eyes of the international community. And it's important that the Qaddafi family exit Libya as a matter of urgency.

Political processes embraced by the Transitional National Council will involve firstly, basic constitution reform; secondly, how to proceed further with a referendum among the Libyan people; and then thirdly, towards democratic elections both parliamentary and presidential.

But the key thing is to get an enforceable ceasefire now, that we have a humanitarian corridor so that the up to one million people who are now internally displaced within Libya can be provided with humanitarian assistance properly and we can get on with the process of basic political reforms.

SABRA LANE: A former predecessor of yours, Alexander Downer, has picked up his pen this morning and written that Australia was but a vocal bystander with Libya, that Australia should have been a champion for Japan at the same time instead during the tsunami crisis and played a special role.

KEVIN RUDD: Well, I'll let Mr Downer speak for himself. I think what we have done in terms of our work in international diplomacy and support of the initial imposition of a Libyan no-fly zone has been right, encouraging as we were Arab states in particular through the Arab League to form a resolution.

At that time, calling on the international community to impose a no-fly zone. I know for a fact that had the Arab League not done so that the UN Security Council would have been very reluctant to act. The fact that they did so, the fact that the UNSC then did so I think is to the good.

What we're concerned about is not, shall I say, political sniping from the side in Australia.

SABRA LANE: Were you surprised by the reaction to your appearance on Q and A last week?

KEVIN RUDD: Oh, how people react to what I say in the public debate is a matter for them.

SABRA LANE: Some interpret your answers and appearance on Q and A as still carrying a leadership baton in your backpack. Do you do that?

KEVIN RUDD: I've responded to that on more times than you could poke a stick at. I'm perfectly happy being Foreign Minister of Australia.

I'm honoured to be Foreign Minister of Australia. I am honoured to have been the prime minister of Australia but in terms of pursuing Australia's national interests, my hands are full. That's what I intend to get on with doing and the speculation to the contrary is without foundation.

TONY EASTLEY: The Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd speaking to Sabra Lane.

ENDS

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