*EPF409 10/04/01
Text: Australia Pledges Military Forces to Fight Terrorism
(Boucher: U.S. "deeply appreciates" Australia's commitment) (200)

The United States "deeply appreciates" Australian Prime Minister Howard's public statement October 4 detailing Australia's commitment of military forces to the global campaign against terrorism, according to State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher.

Following is the text of Boucher's statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
October 4, 2001

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

Australia -- Commitment of Military Forces to the Coalition

The United States deeply appreciates Australian Prime Minister Howard's public statement October 4 detailing Australia's commitment of military forces to the global campaign against terrorism. Australia has pledged air, ground and naval forces to freedom's common cause. This reflects Australia's deep commitment to the cause of liberty and democracy and to our longstanding alliance. The President and Prime Minister marked the 50th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty September 10 in Washington -- one day before these heinous acts of terrorist violence. The United States has no more steadfast ally than Australia.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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