June 02, 2011

Radio Australia: Kevin Rudd defends overseas travels and Aust stand on Fiji

Updated June 1, 2011 17:05:10

Australia's Foreign Minister has launched a spirited defence of his travel schedule as he tries to drum up support for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The opposition's questioned why Kevin Rudd has visited Europe, the Middle East and Africa but not Papua New Guinea since taking office as Foreign Minister last year.

Mr Rudd says Australia needs two thirds of the 128 votes at the UN to win a seat on the Council and he makes no apology for travelling widely to canvas those votes.

Meanwhile he's reiterated his view that Fiji was no ordinary coup and drawn attention to the revelations of Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara.

Presenter: Cameron Wilson
Speakers: Kevin Rudd, Australia's Foreign Minister; Joanna McCarthy, Canberra Correspondent
Listen here.

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