Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

The Government has decided to launch Operation Baghdad Assist to provide medical supplies to the Iraqi capital, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.

In the first instance, an Australian or United States transport aircraft will be loaded with medical supplies from HMAS Kanimbla and will transport them to Baghdad.

This will be followed by two further Hercules loads of supplies from Australia.

Senator Hill said the delivery of the supplies to the most appropriate hospitals and medical facilities in Baghdad would be carried out in conjunction with United States military medical staff.

"The coalition to disarm Iraq has placed a high priority on minimising civilian casualties and adverse consequences to the Iraqi people," Senator Hill said.

"The Australian Government recognises hospital capabilities in Iraq have been stretched by the conflict.

"Operation Baghdad Assist will deliver much needed medical supplies to help relieve some of the pressure on medical facilities and to contribute to the welfare of the Iraqi people."

The Chief of the Defence Force will provide further details on the implementation of the Government's decision at today's Operation Falconer briefing in Canberra.