A short report on my discussions with Australian experts into terrorism in South East Asia.
Of special concern were the nations of Indonesia and the Phillipines, nations with known terrorist cells, and states reffered to as 'in need of significant assistance' to contain criminal and terrorist activity, such as Papua New Guinea.
The Phillipines is a location visited by millions of westerners every year, with approx. 2.3 million people visiting the country in 2003. Our nation has a strong historical link to the Phillipines and it's people, and we are responsible for many of the visitors there.
Recently, attacks in commercial centers and on the embassies of our allies in the country has reduced forecasts for tourism growth, and for western investment.
Whilst in Canberra, I met with the ambassador to Australia from the Phillipines, Ms. Christina Ortega. She said that she was working effectibvely with the Australian government in allowing for easier trade between the two countries, and was glad that Atlasia was also on friendly terms with her country. Although it was not her area of expertise, she commented that the people of the Phillipines felt 'great sorrow when our friends from overseas are attacked, and great pain when we are attacked ourselves."
I next visited the Australian parliament. It was quite nice to be formally introduced in the chamber (OOC: Probably the first and only tme
), and both the Prime Minister John Howard and Leader of the Opposition Kim Beazley welcomed any Atlasian to Australia as 'Our greatest allies, and our firm friends"-Howard, and 'The nation we need for defensive purposes, but more importantly, a nation we appreciate'-Beazley.
After talks with Australian bureaurats, I got a firm impression that a stable, democratic South East Asia is of critical importance to not only the people of Australia, but also of our own nation. Tens of millions of Atlasians visit the region every year, and we have already lost many to terrorism in the region.
I next had a brief chat with the Indonesian delegate superior to the Indonesian-Australian Anti-Terrorism Council, Mj. Pi Tharakano. He outlined the agreements between his nation and Australia on anti-terrorism and the significant steps taken forward. As the world's largest islamic nation, it is important that the new democracy continues to stabilised and flourish in it's efforts to modernise whilst keeping their culture intact. The Major said that one of the key reasons for Islamic fundamentalism was that some people felt that heir religious, national and cultural identity were being diminished, and that the west was just taking. He thanked the Atlasian people and government for it's significant aid assistance in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami, as they call it down under. He said he hoped 'the spirit of trust and friendships now goes both ways, to and from Atlasia in Indonesia. It is my hope that we can continue to strengthen our ties for many causes, including anti-terrorism agreements".
After my first round of talks, I've learnt that the most important thing for the region, in particular Indonesia and the Phillipines, is stable economic growth, with free trade but not too much westernisation and ownership. It seems that the best route to take is to get american products into shops owned by local businessmen. I would urge the President to begins talks with his colleagues in the region on open trade.
Also, Australia seems to be doing well in keeping terrorism under control in the region, with the significant and fully appreciated help of the countries in the region. Indonesia has come very far in a very very short time, and whilst there are parts of the government that aren't fully acceptable in Atlasian standards, it is much better then previously. The anti-terrorism efforts and not only well-funded by the Indonesian government, but embraced by almost all Indonesians, who want their country to develope a better economy and a safer and more democratic nation.
I urge that the Secreatary consider the significance of this area of the world, a huge economic market, a region undergoing rapid change, and a key battleground on the War on Terror.
Senator Hughento.
(Sorry if there are any typos. I sorta just did this in a rush off the top of my head, but I did look up the real Filipino ambassador to Australia
)
