Australia expects tough talks at whaling meet: minister

Source: Agence France-Presse

Australia expects tough talks at whaling meet: minister

7 minutes ago


SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia said Sunday it will push for strengthened protection for whales at an international meeting in Chile this week, but admitted it expected talks to be difficult.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said debate at the annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Santiago, at which Japan is expected to urge a resumption of full-fledged commercial whaling, would be robust.

Australia will take a strong pro-conservation stance at the talks, he said.

"It won't be an easy meeting by any means," Garrett told reporters in Sydney.

"I expect the negotiations will be difficult, tense and tough.

"But Australia's voice will be strong at all times and, having brought forward the most substantial, pro-conservation reforms that we have seen come into the commission in many, many years, we intend to go there and make sure that our proposals are taken seriously."



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