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SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister John Howard assured
Asia Pacific leaders Monday that they would not have to parade
around Sydney in tiny swimsuits and flip-flops for this week’s
official APEC photograph.
But there is speculation the 21
government leaders will don Australian bush outfits when they line
up for the obligatory Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
photograph in the host nation’s traditional costume.
As Australia lacks a distinctive
national outfit, wags have had a field day making helpful
suggestions about how to clothe the leaders in a manner that
reflects life Down Under.
Some want to see them clad in
men’s lycra Speedo swimming trunks, sometimes known locally as
“budgie smugglers,” paired with the flip-flop sandals or thongs
that are must-have wear for the Australian beach.
Howard ruled out any such affront
to the dignity of his honored guests, saying only that the APEC
outfit would be “very Australian.”
“The only Australian garb I’d
rule out is Speedos and thongs,” Howard told commercial
television. “I don’t think I’d do that, that wouldn’t be
very diplomatic.
“Think Australian. Think
Australian in a very positive way, one we all identify with.”
The Akubra wide-brimmed hat worn
by Australian Bushmen is considered a strong possibility, along with
oilskin coats and boots.
Howard admitted the often
colorful consumes selected for APEC meetings sometimes raised the
eyebrows of the leaders who had to wear them, including US President
George W. Bush.
“George Bush once said to me,
looking at me and me looking at him in one of the less memorable
[outfits]—he said, ‘Thank heavens I’ve just had my
election.’ The suggestion being that he wouldn’t win very many
votes being photographed in that,” Howard said.
The Australian leader said his
favorite APEC outfit was a leather bomber jacket handed out at the
1997 meeting in Canada.
“It was so good, both my sons
wanted to purloin it when I brought it back,” he said.
--AFP
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