TAS: Go back to basics on reason for war, urges Howard
HOBART, April 2 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard today urged Australians to go backto basics and remind themselves why the nation was involved in the war in Iraq.
He told a business breakfast in Hobart that it was easy to lose sight of why Australiawas participating in the US-led conflict when confronted with tragic and horrifying images.
"It's always important to go back to basics and remind ourselves why we are involved,"
Mr Howard told the meeting.
"I don't intend, this morning or at any stage, to get into the business of predictingthe duration of the conflict.
"It's not a question of religion, it's a question of justice, and it's a question oftaking the necessary steps to prevent attacks against different countries, including Australia,in the future."
Mr Howard praised Australian troops involved in the war.
"I'm very happy to say that, as one speaks, that they are all safe and sound," he said.
Earlier, anti-war protesters protested against Mr Howard's arrival at the breakfast,waving banners including "Howard, son of a Bush".
About 50 protesters gathered in the forecourt of the Hotel Grand Chancellor while theprime minister ate breakfast in the restaurant above.
Police watched the protest, but it passed without incident.
Mr Howard is in Tasmania for a two-day visit. He is due to attend a community morningtea at Hobart Anglesea barracks later this morning.
AAP las/tnf/bwl
KEYWORD: IRAQ HOWARD BASICS
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