'Saddam Hussein is married to his weapons of mass destruction. He will never give them up willingly. Militarism and aggression are the foundations of his regime.'
Prime Minister John Howard, speaking in Parliament, March 18

Time of reckoning

Australian soldiers into action in Iraq

Australian troops have been into action since Thursday, March 20, as part of a US-led coalition to disarm Iraq.

This follows the formal commitment on Tuesday, March 18, by Prime Minister John Howard after the failure of diplomatic efforts to force Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to disarm.

Mr Howard authorised CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove to commit Australian forces already deployed in the Gulf region as part of any US-led coalition operation to disarm Iraq.

Australia’s commitment has been named ‘Operation Falconer’.

The Prime Minister, speaking in the House of Representatives on March 18, moved that the House of Representatives express support for the Australian service men and women with the international coalition, full confidence in them and the hope for a safe return.

“Early this morning, President Bush telephoned me and formally requested Australia’s support and participation in a coalition of nations who are prepared to enforce the Security Council’s resolutions by all necessary means,” he said.

“There is no more serious decision for any government than to commit its forces to military conflict.”

Mr Howard said Australia had been an active participant in the 12-year effort by the international community to have Iraq relinquish prohibited weapons programs.

“During these 12 years, there has rarely been a time when Australian Defence personnel have not been deployed to the Gulf.

“Now we join with the coalition in an attempt to bring this long-running conflict to an end once and for all.”

ADF members were in the Middle East in 1990 to enforce sanctions, in 1991 for Op Desert Storm, in 1998 to support Op Desert Fox and an almost continuous presence with the multinational interdiction force.

Although, as part of the coalition, Australian forces will be under the operational control of the Coalition Commander, they will remain under Australian national command at all times.

“Australian commanders are bound by Australian rules of engagement and separate Australian targeting directives.

“The ADF retains the capability to continue to service our current commitments, including our contribution to the UN force in East Timor and to respond to any short-notice contingencies that may arise.”

There are 2000 ADF personnel and maritime, land and air assets currently deployed to the Middle East.

Mr Howard said every one of Australia’s service men and women was precious to their families, their loved ones and their nation.

“I want to say to the men and the women of our Defence forces who are deployed with the coalition forces that I have the greatest confidence in your abilities and your judgement.

“You may be part of the Australian deployment or deployed while on exchange duties with our friends and allies.

“Your nation admires your courage and salutes your commitment to duty. You belong to the most professional armed forces in the world, and all of us are proud of your reputation.”