Trump trashes international law, Albanese remains silent

AWPR Media Release

The Albanese government can no longer remain silent about the blatant breaches of international law carried out by our ally and AUKUS partner, the Trump administration, according to the civil society group, Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR).

Trump’s military assault on Venezuela on January 3 was a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, yet the Australian Prime Minister is yet to condemn the action which included the illegal abduction of a sovereign leader.

Since this attack Trump has openly threatened multiple countries with military action including several democratic nations and one NATO member (Denmark/Greenland).

“Trump’s behaviour has become unhinged and unacceptable,” said AWPR President and former Senator Andrew Bartlett.

“For the Australian government to stay silent when international law is being trashed and peaceful nations are being threatened is deeply concerning.”

“This is no joking matter. Trump has said he is going to take control of Greenland “whether they like it or not”, but we are yet to hear a word from the Albanese government or the Foreign Minister Penny Wong.”

“We now have two former Foreign Ministers, Bob Carr and Gareth Evans, strongly sounding the alarm about the future of the Australia/US alliance, but the government seems paralysed on these key questions.”

Gareth Evans told the Guardian that Trump’s recent actions “put beyond doubt that his America has zero respect for international law, morality, and the interests of its allies and partners.”

Both former ministers say the enormously expensive AUKUS submarine project should be abandoned.

“How many countries will Trump have to attack before our government stands up for democracy and international norms?” Mr Bartlett said.

“Just this week Trump also withdrew from 66 international organisations and treaties including UN commissions on peace keeping and international law. His priorities seem to be based on ruthless self-interest at the expense of other nations and even his allies.”