Australia to allow anti-whaling ship to dock

[struggle4progress]

Source: AP

By KRISTEN GELINEAU – 13 minutes ago

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — The Australian government said Thursday that radical conservationists who have been pursuing Japanese whalers in Antarctic waters can refuel their ship in Australia, despite Japan's objections that they are tantamount to terrorists.

Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters in Melbourne that there was no reason to ban the Sea Shepherd group's anti-whaling ship, the Steve Irwin, from docking in Hobart, Tasmania, when it arrives next week. Japan had said Tuesday it planned to ask Australia to bar the ship from its ports.

"We have not received an impending vessel request from the Steve Irwin," said Gillard, who is filling in for vacationing Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. "Should such a request be received, then the Steve Irwin will be permitted to dock at an Australian port" ...

Protesters aboard the ship have chased Japan's whaling fleet for 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) and last month lobbed bottles of rancid butter at the whalers. They are currently around 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) southeast of Hobart ...

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hsHv9pJ7Ey7Nt0kwv93b7Z8ECgPwD95IQES80

[Judi Lynn]

1. Sure hope they won't back down. Whalers trying to keep them from obtaining fuel? How dare they.

Hoping and praying Australia will refuse to back down on this issue, at any point, and get some of their Navy back in business watching these creeps, too.

[Divine Discontent]

2. good point - criminal whalers complaining to AUS gov't to stop them is comical! eom

[minnesota_liberal]

3. Good on ya, Mate!

Glad to see that Australia is using common sense on this issue.

[madrchsod]

4. "if ya do`t say it`s wrong then it`s right"

good to see the aussies standing up for the whales

[Number9Dream]

5. Certainly good news

Actually, I thought Peter Garrett and the Australian govt. were going to take a more active role in enforcing anti-whaling laws in Australian waters. They don't seem to be doing much of anything. Has anybody heard / read about their position on this issue?

Bindi Irwin seems to be doing more to rally anti-whaling in Oz.

[ShadesOfGrey]

6. Thanks! This is great news! nt

[WhiteTara]

7. good for Australia

The Sea Shepard is all we have to protect the seas from the marauders.

[patrick t. cakes]

8. kick

for the aussies and sea shepard:thumbsup: