Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, in an interview with 6PR Mornings on Thursday, talked about an Australian prisoner in Iraq, the re-establishment of a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan amid the Taliban’s resurgence, and Chinese cybercrimes.
Interviewer Liam Bartlett questioned the Minister about an Australian citizen, Robert Pether, who claims that he was tricked into travelling to Iraq and is now in a Baghdad jail for more than three months. His wife, Desiree Pether, claims the Australian government had given assurances of Robert’s safety before his travel to Iraq. Bartlett probed the Minister on the Australian government’s response to the issue while quoting Robert’s wife, Desiree Pether, saying, “Again, that it’s not due process. It is illegal. He was trapped into going back to Iraq, and it has to have more action. I need the Australian government to condemn this and stop supporting charities for a while. You know, it’s still ongoing. It’s business as usual.”
In response, Minister Payne expressed concern for Desiree and her children. She said the Australian government is in touch with the Foreign Minister of Iraq and has demanded Pether’s release since no charges have been laid. However, she refused to comment on the case’s specifics and said that the government requested greater legal access for Pether and clarity on charges.
Regarding the re-establishment of diplomatic presence in Afghanistan amid the resurgence of the Taliban, the Minister said, “We expected our interim diplomatic arrangements to be temporary, and we would intend to resume a permanent presence once circumstances permit.” In addition, she reaffirmed Australia’s engagement with the Afghanistan government and coalition members. The Minister refused to comment on intelligence matters but said that personnel security is of utmost importance. When asked about where Australian intelligence officers would be stationed, she said that the discussions are underway and revealed the proposal put forth by the Afghan government to transform the former headquarters of Resolute Support Mission into a safe zone for diplomatic presence.
On the Taliban advancing through the war-torn country, Minister Payne acknowledged the troubling situation and urged all parties to return to peace talks. Additionally, the Minister urged the Taliban to adhere to its commitment and agree to an immediate ceasefire. On being questioned about the Taliban’s inhumane execution of Afghan special forces and a crackdown on women rights, the Minister called the situation troublesome and said the Australian government had invested vast amounts of money in supporting women and girls in Afghanistan.
The interviewer then questioned the Minister about Australia’s stance on the recent Chinese cyberattacks. In this regard, Minister Payne said it is not a bilateral issue, since 39 countries expressed concern over malicious cyber activities. She said, “Several countries…including Australia, have determined that it is the Chinese Ministry of State Security that has participated in the exploitation of vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange software.” The Minister also advised all businesses in Australia to maintain their cybersecurity.
In the end, while commenting on cyberwar, the Minister said, “Any nation that’s a member of the Security Council has a central role in advancing a global environment of international security and stability.”
FM Payne Discusses Australian Prisoners in Iraq, Afghan Security, and Chinese Cybercrimes
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, discussed the imprisonment of an Australian in Iraq, plans to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and Chinese cybercrimes.
July 23, 2021
SOURCE: SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST