14/02/2005 - Australia
has gained another ally in its international
campaign to protect whales, the Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, announced today.
"I am delighted that the Czech Republic
has announced that it will become a party
to the International Whaling Convention
with a vote at the International Whaling
Commission (IWC)," Senator Campbell
said.
"The Czech Republic shares our concern
over the conservation status of great whales,
and the possible resumption of commercial
whaling.
"Its decision comes at a critical
time, as the IWC moratorium on commercial
whaling is under threat.
"There are now 59 members in the IWC
with many new members over recent years.
The balance between conservation-minded
countries such as Australia and those others
who would agree to commercial whaling is
very tight.
"The Government looks forward to working
with the Czech Republic in ensuring that
the world's whale populations are protected.
"I will be writing to my opposite number
in the Czech Republic explaining Australia's
strong position against commercial whaling
and seeking support for our position in
the IWC.
"I will also be approaching other
non-member countries to suggest that they
consider joining the IWC if they wish to
see a permanent ban on commercial whaling."
At the next meeting of the IWC in Ulsan,
South Korea in June, the Australian Government
will maintain its strong position of seeking
a permanent global ban on commercial whaling
and an end to so-called scientific whaling.
