Wednesday, 27 May 2009

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will join Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Bernard K Membe at The University of Western Australia on Friday, May 29, to deliver a public address marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Foreign Minister Membe will speak first on " The Politics of Peacekeeping in Africa" followed by Stephen Smith whose topic is "Peacekeeping and the Protection of Civilians" .  Both Ministers will take part in a question and answer session following their address.

"Since 1948, Australia has made contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa, Europe, Central America, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.  As a considerable and significant nation, and as a good international citizen, we continue that noble tradition to this day.  More than 30,000 Australians have served around the world as peacekeepers.  They have come from all parts of our defence forces, federal, state and territory police forces, and other Australian government agencies," Mr Smith said.

Mr Membe became Foreign Minister of Tanzania in January 2007 and was appointed Chairman of the South African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Peace, Security and Defence, dealing with peace and security issues in the region, including Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.

WHAT: Public Lecture - "United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers Address"

WHEN: Friday, 29 May, 10.30am - 11.30am

WHERE: University Club Theatre Auditorium

This lecture is free and open to the public, but RSVP is requested by 27 May to 6488 1340 or by email:  [email protected]

Media references

Courtney Hoogen (Stephen Smith)  (+61 4) 88 244 901
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8) 6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716

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