Posted on 10/15/2003 5:17:38 PM PDT by ambrose
Thu, Oct 16, 2003
Bush says protest by MPs okay
THE U.S. President, Mr George W. Bush, has shrugged off plans by some Labor MPs to protest during his speech to Federal Parliament next week.
Mr Bush said he accepted differences of opinion in a thriving democracy.
"It means that democracy is alive and well," Mr Bush said.
"If somebody feels like they want to express discontent, thats okay."
Mr Bush said, in an interview with the Nine Network, he would use his speech to Parliament to thank Australia for the good job by Australian forces in Iraq.
"A-plus was the rating. And I think a lot of people would like to hear that from the American President. Im going to tell them," he said.
Mr Bush said the main reason for his visit was to thank the Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, and Australia for joining the war on terrorism.
"The main purpose is to thank the people of Australia and thank my friend John Howard for being strong in the face of terror, and understanding that we have an historic opportunity to bring peace and freedom to parts of the world that need peace and freedom," he said.
"Australia is a great country, I would define our relationship as a unique relationship.
"Im looking forward to it Ive never been there.
"They tell me its kind of like Texas, which is another reason I want to go."
Mr Bush would also use talks with Mr Howard to help progress the Australia-U.S. free trade agreement.
Several Labor and minor party MPs are angry at plans for a standing ovation at the end of Mr Bushs speech.
Labor backbencher Mr Harry Quick, who originally planned to turn his back on the President, plans to wear a white armband in protest at the U.S.-led war on Iraq.
Another Labor backbencher Ms Jan McLucas said she would show respect but would not stand.
"Ill be respectful, as I imagine every other member or Senator will be," she said.
"Ill be respectful."
Fellow backbencher Mr Graham Edwards said he would be hospitable despite his views on U.S. policies.
"I will be extending to him every hospitality," he said.
"That is despite the fact that I think his policies stink."
Tasmanian Mr Duncan Kerr said he would not be showing overt signs of support for Mr Bush.
"Am I going to show any overt signs of support? No," he said.
Australian Democrats leader Senator Andrew Bartlett said Mr Bush would need to earn his ovation.
"I think people actually have to earn standing ovations and well see what he says," he said.
Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said that to warrant a standing ovation, Mr Bush would have to free the two Australians from Guantanamo Bay, sign the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, ban the trade in handguns and ensure Iraqis regained control of their country.
"None of these items is unreasonable or unachievable or even difficult," Senator Brown said.
"We think Australians, who have a keen sense of fair play, would clap such reasonable breakthroughs in human and environmental welfare."
FUGETABOUTIT.
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