FED: RSL President, Tim Fischer defend Gallipoli ban

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2004
FED: RSL President, Tim Fischer defend Gallipoli ban

The RSL has backed the federal government's ban on serving defence force personnel
making Anzac Day pilgrimages to Gallipoli.

Defence Force chief PETER COSGROVE has banned travel by ADF personnel to places deemed
dangerous by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Defence Minister ROBERT HILL says the ban on serving personnel using their holidays
to visit Anzac Cove for the April the 25th dawn service, is sensible.

RSL national president BILL CREWS says the government hasn't over-reacted in putting
the ban in place for Anzac Day pilgrimages to Turkey.

And former deputy Prime Minister and Vietnam veteran, TIM FISCHER, says he understands
the disappointment of affected personnel but he supports the ban.

At least two senior army officers have been ordered to cancel privately-organised trips
to Gallipoli.

Senator HILL has said he is still going ahead with his trip to Turkey.

But he says there'll be very specific security associated with his visit.

AAP RTV af/sd/as/rp

KEYWORD: GALLIPOLI RSL (SYDNEY)

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