Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East.
(From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Monday 8 August 2011

Foreign Minister Rudd Wants Australia To Abstain On Palestine Recognition At The UN

Australia's Doc Evatt played a key role in facilitating Israel's birth at the United Nations in 1948 http://daphneanson.blogspot.com/2011/01/aussie-docs-role-in-birth-of-israel.html, but Australia's Gillard government seems unlikely to help to bring a Palestinian state to fruition at the same, now much corrupted, forum in September.

At least, not by active means.  Passive means are another matter.


For if foreign minister and former prime minister Kevin Rudd, presumably with an eye on good relations with the Arabs and to ensure that Australia wins a temporary seat on the UN Security Council next year, had his way, Australia would abstain from voting on the issue.

He's advised prime minister Julia Gillard (pictured), hitherto known as a strong friend of Israel, of his view.

Last month, in Canberra, Palestinian Authority spokesman Ghassan Khatab lobbied Chris Evans, who was actng as foreign minister while Rudd was in hospital awaiting heart surgery, on the issue.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/rudd-says-abstain-on-palestine-vote-gillard-backs-israel-20110807-1ihrc.html#poll

3 comments:

  1. This is all about Rudd getting a seat on the UN. It's only a few weeks ago that he was supporting Max Brenner in Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry for the delay in posting your comments, deegee and Shirlee.
    My face is red, Shirlee, because I forgot to hat tip you!

    ReplyDelete

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