Fed: Turnbull admits saying history may judge war as error

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2004
Fed: Turnbull admits saying history may judge war as error

High profile Liberal candidate MALCOLM TURNBULL has admitted suggesting history might
judge the war on Iraq as a mistake.

But Mr TURNBULL has backed Australia's decision to join the conflict.

His comments have embarrassed the government as it defends itself against claims from
prominent former military chiefs and diplomats that Australia joined the war based on
a false assumptions.

Labor backbencher TANYA PLIBERSEK raised the issue in parliament, saying Mr TURNBULL
told a candidate's forum that history will judge US President GEORGE W BUSH'S invasion
of Iraq as an unadulterated error.

Mr TURNBULL says Ms PLIBERSEK has misquoted him, although he admits suggesting history
might judge the war as an error.

He says correctness of the federal government's decision to support BUSH doesn't depend
on the wisdom of the American president's decision.

Mr TURNBULL won Liberal preselection for the Sydney seat of Wentworth after a public
fight with sitting Liberal MP PETER KING.

AAP RTV mfh/mj

KEYWORD: IRAQ TURNBULL (CANBERRA)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.