http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/04/11/1207856773295.html
Aussie rules: Rudd rocks the world
April 11, 2008 - 8:39AM
Kevin Rudd has received a rave review from singer and songwriter KD
Lang for his stance on Tibet, while the British press have showered
the Prime Minister in glowing praise.
Canadian pop star Lang described Mr Rudd as amazing and fearless for
expressing concerns while visiting China about the crackdown in Tibet.
The prime minister told Peking University students there are
significant human rights problems in Tibet and brought up the issue in
talks yesterday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Lang is touring Australia for a series of concerts.
'Aussie rules'
Meanwhile Mr Rudd has received glowing praise in the British press.
In an editorial bearing the headline "Aussie rules", respected
newspaper The Independent said it was impressed by Mr Rudd, who left
London this week after his first official visit to the UK.
"We were looking forward to Kevin Rudd's term as Australia's Prime
Minister, and so far we have not been disappointed," the paper said.
"On the contrary, with his plain speaking, his firm principles as a
politician and - a bit of a luxury, this - his fluent Mandarin, Mr
Rudd has not only met our expectations, but inspired not a little envy
as well."
It was not only Mr Rudd's language skills that earned him accolades.
The editorial also spoke highly of his strong stance on security for
the Olympic torch relay in Australia later this month, his plea for
China to open dialogue with Tibet and his address to Chinese students
on human rights.
"The world needs more leaders like this; we hope he has started as he
means to go on," The Independent said.
Mr Rudd's visit to Britain was given limited attention by local media.
His four-day stop coincided with last weekend's pro-Tibet protests as
the Olympic flame was carried through London.
Mr Rudd declared that Chinese security guards, criticised for their
handling of the London demonstrations, would be banned from the torch
relay in Australia, saying domestic agencies would provide adequate
protection.
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