U.S. – Australia Relations

Demonstrations against United States’ Consulates [in Australia]

Canberra — 28 March 1999

Media release
28 March 1999

The violence employed in demonstrations in both Sydney and Melbourne today against United States’ consulates should be utterly condemned by all Australians.

Australians of Serbian descent have every right to peacefully demonstrate against NATO military action directed at the Milosevic regime.

However the violence – including injury done to police – is quite unacceptable.

The NATO action, which the Australian Government supports, became a regrettable necessity when President Milosevic refused to respect the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

NATO’s quarrel is not with the Serbian people but with the Milosevic Government.

Australians of Serbian descent are a respected part of the Australian community. They have contributed much to our country.

I am sure that the violent behaviour of a few will be strongly condemned.

Original document from www.pm.gov.au.

Last update: Tuesday, 20 November 2007 GMT+1000