The Australian government said today that radical conservationists who have been pursuing Japanese whalers in Antarctic waters can refuel their ship in Australia, despite Japan's objections that they are tantamount to terrorists.
Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters in Melbourne that there was no reason to ban the Sea Shepherd group's anti-whaling ship, the Steve Irwin, from docking in Hobart, Tasmania, when it arrives next week.
Japan had said Tuesday it planned to ask Australia to bar the ship from its ports.
"We have not received an impending vessel request from the Steve Irwin," said Gillard, who is filling in for vacationing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
"Should such a request be received, then the Steve Irwin will be permitted to dock at an Australian port."
The Steve Irwin is named after the late Australian conservationist and TV personality.
1 comment:
Carry on, Watson! Well done to the crew of the Steve Irwin and may you always have a fair sea and the wind at your back.
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