Fed: Defence force could assist PNG if needed: Cosgrove

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2004
Fed: Defence force could assist PNG if needed: Cosgrove

Defence Force chief General PETER COSGROVE says Australia could expand peacekeeping
duties to Papua New Guinea if needed.

He's made the comments in Melbourne at the launch of Memories of War - a book on the
memories of World War Two veterans.

General COSGROVE said the Australian military is ready to help PNG, which has suffered
from endemic lawlessness and corruption in recent years.

An Australian Federal Police team will arrive in the capital Port Moresby this week
to begin a $A900 million cooperation program to deploy up to 300 Australian police and
public servants to PNG.

The program will include a range of law and order, security and economic issues.

General COSGROVE says Australia has an ongoing program of defence assistance with the
Papua New Guinea defence force and will stand ready and alert to help in other ways if
they're needed.

AAP RTV jrd/gfr/jv/rp

KEYWORD: PEACE COSGROVE (MELBOURNE)

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