Fed: Boycotts and sanctions no answer to whaling woes govt

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2000
Fed: Boycotts and sanctions no answer to whaling woes govt

The federal government says boycotting meetings in Japan and imposing economic sanctions
aren't the best ways to pressure Tokyo to stop whaling.

Environment Minister ROBERT HILL says the government is instead working to establish
a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary through the International Whaling Commission.

The opposition has criticised the government for failing to join a world diplomatic
protest in Tokyo last week over the county's so-called scientific whaling program.

The United States is reportedly planning to boycott a meeting of world environment
ministers in Japan later this week and is planning laws to give President BILL CLINTON
the authority to impose economic sanctions.

But Senator HILL says this isn't a worthwhile step for Australia, who will send environment
officers to the talks.

In July the government secured two-thirds of the vote at the International Whaling
Commission to set up a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary, and will continue the push at next
year's meeting in London.

AAP RTV lm/mfh/nf/jn

KEYWORD: WHALING (CANBERRA)

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