ABC Home | Radio | Television | News | Your Local ABC | More Subjects… | Shop

Email

Govt still pondering Ahmadinejad charge

Posted September 23, 2008 13:35:00
Updated September 23, 2008 13:42:00

Accused of inciting genocide: Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad.

Accused of inciting genocide: Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad. (Reuters: Caren Firouz)

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith says the Federal Government is still seriously considering trying to prosecute Iran's President in an international court.

Mahmood Ahmadinejad is due to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York overnight, while Prime Minister Kevin Rudd begins meetings at UN headquarters.

When Mr Rudd was opposition leader, he told Australia's Jewish community he would like to take legal action against President Ahmadinejad for inciting genocide.

Almost a year later, Mr Smith says the issue is still being examined.

"We are continuing to have that matter under legal and other advice," he said.

"It's a very serious matter. We're giving it serious consideration and we'll make an announcement when that consideration has completed."

Tags: federal-government, world-politics, australia, iran

The Shallow End

Australia star Brandon Walters

Oscar buzz

The young star of Baz Luhrmann's Australia, Brandon Walters, is being mooted for an Academy Award.

Listen

New Zealand paceman Tim Southee

First Test

NZ paceman Tim Southee speaks to Grandstand after ripping through Australia's top order.

Gallery

Floodwaters cover Noble Street at Windsor in Brisbane after severe storms swept over the city

SE Qld flooding

Photos of flooded streets and storm damage caused by more wild weather.