Qld: Defence Minister visits Australian troops in Afghanistan

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2008
Qld: Defence Minister visits Australian troops in Afghanistan

Defence Minister JOEL FITZGIBBON has told Australian troops in Afghanistan .. the nation's
with them as they mourn the death of Lance Corporal JASON MARKS.

The minister visited the Australian base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province yesterday
.. after attending Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

Mr FITZGIBBON says morale on the ground is surprisingly good .. and he's seen the four
other Australian commandos wounded in Sunday's Taliban attack.

He's told Sky News he's reassured the troops Australia is behind them .. and he's backed
the prime minister's call to NATO for a more coherent military and non-military strategy
for the troubled nation.

AAP RTV ews/jmt

KEYWORD: AFGHAN FITZGIBBON (BRISBANE)

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