09 May 2003
Prime Minister arrives in the Middle East

The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard arrived in the Middle East Area of Operations to personally thank Australian troops for their efforts in the Iraq conflict.
The Prime Minister toured several Middle East bases and met troops deployed on Operation Falconer, the Australian contribution to the Coalition campaign to eliminate Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in Iraq. Prime Minister Howard was welcomed to the Middle East by the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn, the Australian Ambassador to UAE and Qatar, Mr Noel Campbell and the Defence Attache to the Australian Embassy, Wing Commander Murray Gordon.
Troops from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force discussed their experiences with the Prime Minister during the two day tour that culminated with an Aussie barbecue on the decks of HMAS Kanimbla.

	The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, Mrs Howard being met by the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn after recently arriving in the Middle East. (pic taken May 8, 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, Mrs Howard and the Australian Ambassador to United Arab Emirates/Qatar, Mr Noel Campbell and his wife chatting with the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn after recently arriving in the Middle East. (pic taken May 8, 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res
	The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, Mrs Howard being escorted to the VIP lounge after recently arriving in the Middle East. (pic taken May 8, 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res
	The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, Mrs Howard and the Australian Ambassador to United Arab Emirates/Qatar, Mr Noel Campbell and his wife chatting with the Australian National Commander, Brigadier Maurie McNarn after recently arriving in the Middle East. (pic taken May 8, 2003) Low-res | Hi-Res