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Protests mar Cheney's visit

P. S. Suryanarayana

Australians want U.S. to withdraw troops from Iraq

SINGAPORE: As anti-war protesters greeted U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney during his visit to Sydney on Friday, he praised Australian Prime Minister John Howard for staying the course alongside Washington in Iraq and criticised China over its alleged military build-up.

Participating in Australia-America Leadership Dialogue, Mr. Cheney said: "Last month's anti-satellite test and China's continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise."

Mr. Cheney's criticism is in contrast with some American leaders' praise of China over its role in bringing about the six-party accord on the North Korean nuclear arms issue. He however referred to "the especially important role" that China had now played in that regard.

Mr. Cheney said: "We go into this deal with our eyes open. The regime in Pyongyang has much to prove. This agreement represents the first hopeful step for a better future for the North Korean people."

Hailing Mr. Howard for "never wavering" in the anti-terror war, Mr. Cheney said, "The only option for our security and survival is to go on the offensive, face the threat directly, patiently and systematically until the enemy is destroyed."

Mr. Howard had earlier said he would maintain "a critical mass" of Australian troops in Iraq, regardless of the British decision to pull out. He put the number of Australian troops at 550, who would be joined by 70 as trainers of the Iraqi security forces.

Before reaching Australia, Mr. Cheney visited Japan to show continued U.S. solidarity in the context of their perceived differences over the Korean issue.

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