Australia, US mulling joint military training program
PLA Daily 2004-01-17
CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Australia and the United States are studying an idea to set up a joint military training facility in Australia, said a top US military officer here on Friday.
Visiting Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers said that the idea is still at an embryonic stage. "It's being studied to see if it would be worthwhile."
At a press conference after talks with Australia's Defense Force chief Peter Cosgrove, Myers said there will be no US troops based in Australia.
"But it will not involve the basing of US forces on Australia, that's not part of the plan," he said.
Cosgrove said experts from the two countries are examining the purpose, scope, location and frequency of use of the training facility.
The "fledgling idea" was proposed by Washington and there was no timetable for progress on it, he said.
Australia's participation in the US missile defense program wasnot discussed much as expected, said Myers.
The Australian government announced on Dec. 4, 2003 its decision to participate in the US missile defense program.
Cosgrove said Friday the two countries are still at the early stages of a study on the program, while discussions are continuingto prepare a memorandum of understanding.
Australia is the last leg of Myers' nine-day trip to the regionwhich has taken him to Japan, China and Mongolia.
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