Australian FM speaks with Rice about financial crisis
20/10/2008 16:25
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said in Canberra today he had
spoken with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice early in the day about the
global financial crisis and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's decision to
postpone his visit to Australia.
Smith said he also talked with Rice about
planning for an emergency expanded G8 summit to deal with the crisis and
Australia 's possible involvement in the meeting.
"We're waiting for details
to emerge, " Smith told reporters, adding he expected firm details to emerge in
the course of this week.
Rice also asked for Australia's forbearance on
Maliki's decision to postpone his planned visit so he can continue discussions
with Washington over a controversial security deal.
"I indicated to Secretary
of State Rice that we 're happy to forbear in the postponement of Prime Minister
al-Maliki's visit to Australia because resolving the US Iraqi status of forces
agreement is of course very important," Smith said.
Xinhua
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