Fed: Schieffer's interference unprecedented: Crean
CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Opposition Leader Simon Crean today told US Ambassador Tom Schiefferto butt out of Australian politics, describing his interference as unprecedented.
In what is certain to further sour the pair's relationship, Mr Schieffer for a secondtime in a week criticised Labor's stance on a war with Iraq and personally attacked MrCrean, this time in an interview with The Bulletin magazine.
He said Mr Crean did not share the same personal relationships with the White Housethat former leader Kim Beazley and foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd do.
Mr Schieffer also said US President George W Bush preferred to receive criticism face-to-face.
Mr Crean has demanded a second meeting with Mr Schieffer in a week to discuss the issueand said he would continue to back what was in the national interest.
"He does not have the right, nor does any ambassador, to interfere into the domesticpolitics of this country or to cast his views as being against what the Labor Party isstanding for and pro what the government is standing for," Mr Crean told ABC radio.
"That's unprecedented and unacceptable but it's also poor form."
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KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST LABOR
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