AI
Friday, December 17, 2004 9:15:27 AM
Australia to enforce 1,150 mile maritime security zone
Beyond boosting defenses against possible terrorist attacks on its soil and on offshore oil and gas facilities Australia has just appointed itself guardian over Vanuatu, an island who has recently been cozying up to China that looks to fall within the 1,150 miles limit and will be better able to observe and police Nauru an island with which China has recently strengthened bonds.
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Since Australia has gradually been changing its diplomatic strategy, shifting the focus from Europe to Asia and China ever since the mid-1990s the change in security zone could be at the behest of the United States.
Thus the 1,150 limit may be both defensive and offensive with varied possible consequences.
-Am
Australia to watch beyond its waters
Neighboring New Zealand is worried by plan
Associated Press
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Australia plans to enforce a maritime security zone more than 1,100 miles out to sea, far beyond its territorial waters, to boost defenses against possible terrorist attacks on its soil and on offshore oil and gas facilities, the prime minister said Wednesday.
Under the plan — due to begin in March — all vessels that enter within 1,150 miles of Australia's shores will be required to present information to defense and customs authorities about the ship's identity, crew, location, speed and intended port of arrival, Prime Minister John Howard said.
"It's just a way of making doubly sure that you know who wants to come to this country and what their business is," Howard told a radio station in Perth.
The plan angered one of Australia's closest allies and neighbors, New Zealand, as the security zone would stretch into its waters.
New Zealand's Acting Transport Minister Harry Duynhoven said Thursday there had been no consultation or official approach from Australian authorities.
"I think there's been a massive slip-up in communication," Duynhoven said, adding that he was seeking clarification from Australian officials on whether they intend to intercept ships within New Zealand waters.
Australia's territorial waters extend about 230 miles off shore. "The protection of Australia's oil and gas facilities is a key focus of the Australian government's priorities to enhance offshore maritime security," Howard said in a statement.
Legal experts warned that Australia could be breaking international law if it tried to take further action against ships in the new security zone.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2950003
Beyond boosting defenses against possible terrorist attacks on its soil and on offshore oil and gas facilities Australia has just appointed itself guardian over Vanuatu, an island who has recently been cozying up to China that looks to fall within the 1,150 miles limit and will be better able to observe and police Nauru an island with which China has recently strengthened bonds.
#msg-4802681
#msg-4851593
Since Australia has gradually been changing its diplomatic strategy, shifting the focus from Europe to Asia and China ever since the mid-1990s the change in security zone could be at the behest of the United States.
Thus the 1,150 limit may be both defensive and offensive with varied possible consequences.
-Am
Australia to watch beyond its waters
Neighboring New Zealand is worried by plan
Associated Press
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Australia plans to enforce a maritime security zone more than 1,100 miles out to sea, far beyond its territorial waters, to boost defenses against possible terrorist attacks on its soil and on offshore oil and gas facilities, the prime minister said Wednesday.
Under the plan — due to begin in March — all vessels that enter within 1,150 miles of Australia's shores will be required to present information to defense and customs authorities about the ship's identity, crew, location, speed and intended port of arrival, Prime Minister John Howard said.
"It's just a way of making doubly sure that you know who wants to come to this country and what their business is," Howard told a radio station in Perth.
The plan angered one of Australia's closest allies and neighbors, New Zealand, as the security zone would stretch into its waters.
New Zealand's Acting Transport Minister Harry Duynhoven said Thursday there had been no consultation or official approach from Australian authorities.
"I think there's been a massive slip-up in communication," Duynhoven said, adding that he was seeking clarification from Australian officials on whether they intend to intercept ships within New Zealand waters.
Australia's territorial waters extend about 230 miles off shore. "The protection of Australia's oil and gas facilities is a key focus of the Australian government's priorities to enhance offshore maritime security," Howard said in a statement.
Legal experts warned that Australia could be breaking international law if it tried to take further action against ships in the new security zone.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/world/2950003
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