Fed: Woolcott urges govt to try for seat on Security Council = 2

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Fed: Woolcott urges govt to try for seat on Security Council = 2

Mr Woolcott also criticised Prime Minister John Howard for his attitude to world perceptionsof Australia, which he said could damage the push for a Security Council spot.

"I think that the government may be reluctant to recognise it but there are perceptionsoverseas about Australia's policies which may not help our cause," Mr Woolcott said.

"But it's some way down the track and as I said, there are opportunities to re-examine(policies)."

Mr Woolcott rejected Mr Howard's recent assessment that world respect and esteem ofAustralia was at its highest.

"I would have to question that," Mr Woolcott said.

"I travel a lot in Asia and I think those sort of comparisons probably make for domesticpolitical consumption."

AAP lm/mg

KEYWORD: UN AUST 2 CANBERRA