USA - Australia

Small nations need US

Prime Minister John Howard said that small nations would simply collapse without the support of the US. Mr. Howard made the comment while giving a speech to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations.

"No dominant power in history has brought to bear the righteous force or generous countenance of the United States of America.

"Without American leadership, the trials and tragedies of recent years could be but a prelude of darker days to come", Mr. Howard said while addressing the Council.

Mr. Howard also said that America had intervened in the Middle East and brought freedom from tyranny and destruction for the people of that region and for the wider international community. M. Howard also reiterated his support to the Bush administration for remaining in Iraq till the mission is complete.

Mr. Howard also mentioned that Australia was playing its own part in the Asia-Pacific region by bringing openness, transparency and democracy under American leadership and guidance.

By Neil Rao