World | Australia
Oil 'key factor for Australia's role in Iraq'
The Australian Defence Minister said yesterday oil was the key reason his troops were in Iraq.
- Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:25 July 6, 2007
Dubai: The Australian Defence Minister said yesterday oil was the key reason his troops were in Iraq.
Brendan Nelson's startling comments caused an immediate stir and drew a sharp contradiction from Prime Minister John Howard. Oil and energy security had long been suspected as the key reason for invading Iraq, but this is the first time a serving politician from the US, Britain or Australia has linked it to the occupation.
Nelson said securing oil supplies was a "priority" for Australia. "Obviously the Mideast, not only Iraq but the entire region, is an important supplier of energy to the world," he said.
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