Media releases
Tuesday, 23 July 2002 / MVT91/2002
Iraqi Threats Should Not Disrupt Wheat Trade
Australia's history as a reliable supplier of quality wheat to Iraq
should persuade the Iraqi Government not to disrupt wheat imports
from Australia, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
"Australia has been a long-standing, reliable supplier of quality
wheat to Iraq, even during times of political difficulties and actual
military hostilities. We recognise the need to ensure a reliable food
supply to the Iraqi people, notwithstanding our differences with the
Iraqi Government," Mr Vaile said.
"Australia's stance toward Iraq is drawn from UN Security Council
Resolutions, which have the support of the international community.
Our position, which has remained unchanged for over a decade, is well
known to the Iraqi Government.
"My department has registered the Government's concern at these
reported threats and sought clarification from the Iraqi Chargé
d'Affaires in Canberra. He has expressed Iraq's appreciation for Australia's
continued supply of wheat during times of political difficulty."
Australian growers produce high standard wheat which meets Iraqi
requirements. Iraq has previously sought to diversify its sources
of wheat imports; however, it has not been able to find suppliers
who can match Australia's reliability and high quality standards.
In 2001, Australia exported around two million tonnes of wheat to
Iraq.
AWB Ltd sells wheat to Iraq through the United Nations' Oil-for-Food
Program, which provides significant humanitarian relief to the Iraqi
people.
"I am confident that commercial realities will continue to prevail
over any attempt to politicise trade in wheat," Mr Vaile said.
Contact: Nicole Guihot 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 21-Nov-2008 17:19:16 EST
