Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Tuesday gave his government's strongest endorsement yet of the missile defence shield, boasting that opponents were now coming around to Australia's viewpoint.

CNN: U.S. envoys begin hard sell of missile shield

Pyongyang could test additional missiles soon despite the international furor over Wednesday's launches, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said after making a protest via telephone to North Korea's ambassador to Canberra, Chon Jae Hong.

NPR: Bush Calls for Unity, Condemns North Korean Tests

"This course of action is clearly a logical and prudent step in a situation where Australia is engaged in military action against Iraq, " Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said in a written statement, adding the closure of the Iraqi Embassy does not constitute a break in diplomatic relations with Iraq as a state.

CNN: U.S.: Expel Iraqi ambassadors

Last month, a paramilitary leader ended a meeting with Australia's foreign minister, Alexander Downer, by placing a letter on his desk which contained a threat to kill Australian journalists and diplomats because of their perceived support for independence.

ECONOMIST: East Timor, adrift and violent