Australia to gain more access to U.S. arms

SYDNEY, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced a new treaty to give Australia better access to U.S. defense equipment.

A statement issued Wednesday, Australia time, said the treaty "will reduce barriers to the exchange of defense goods, services, and information between Australia and the United States ... providing our forces with the most effective means to counter new threats."

Bush touched down late Tuesday in Sydney amid tight security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

After the weekend APEC summit, Bush is expected to return to the United States in time for ceremonies marking the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, The Sydney Morning Herald said.

Besides Howard, Bush was planning to meet individually with the presidents of China, Russia, South Korea and Indonesia, and the prime minister of Japan, besides attending group sessions, the Voice of America said.

Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin were discuss U.S. plans for anti-missile technology in Eastern Europe during the forum, a Russian presidential aide told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

”We are not looking to settle the issue once and for all,” Sergei Prikhodko said. “We are seeking to stimulate dialogue on the topic and to involve military and political experts in the talks."