FED: NKorea not aiming missiles at Australia: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2004
FED: NKorea not aiming missiles at Australia: Downer

The federal government says North Korea doesn't have any intention of launching missiles
against Australia, even though it has an advanced nuclear program.

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER has said that long range missiles being developed
by the communist country have the capacity to directly hit Australia.

Mr DOWNER, who leaves for diplomatic negotiations in Pyongyang next week, says he'll
use his visit to try and cool the ongoing nuclear stand-off in north-east Asia.

He's said the failure of North Korea to abandon its nuclear program could lead to a
nuclear race in the region.

Mr DOWNER's described the nuclear program as a profoundly important issue at the heart
of stability in the region.

But he says it doesn't pose a direct threat to Australia.

AAP RTV kjd/kbw/ea/sco

KEYWORD: KOREA NUCLEAR DOWNER (SYDNEY)

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