Australian PM Rapped Over "Israel"
Source: Alalam TV, 12-03-2008
SYDNEY--Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd faced protests Wednesday as he led parliament in congratulating the 'Israeli' occupying regime on the upcoming 60th anniversary of its illegitimate statehood.
A woman was forced to leave of the public gallery after interrupting his speech as other protesters demonstrated outside, while Palestinian supporters published a long statement criticizing the government's position in a national newspaper.
Two powerful Australian trade unions joined the group of individuals and organizations in the advertisement, entitled "Not in our name", which urged parliament to abandon the motion.
"Australia and Australians should not give the 'Israeli' people and its leaders the impression that Australia supports them in their dispossession of the Palestinian people," the advertisement said.
The motion was later supported by the opposition and passed.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith defended the motion ahead of the parliamentary sitting, telling reporters that support for 'Israel' had been the Australian position since 1948.
"Obviously in general terms people are very concerned about what occurs in the Middle East," he said, noting that the government strongly supported the peace process.
In parliament, Rudd reaffirmed Australia's commitment to a two-state solution to the 'Israeli' -Palestinian conflict.
"We firmly believe the establishment of an independent and economically-viable Palestinian state must remain a key objective of the 'Israeli' peace process," he said.
Rudd acknowledged the past 60 years had been marked by bloodshed but said there had been signs of hope.
SYDNEY--Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd faced protests Wednesday as he led parliament in congratulating the 'Israeli' occupying regime on the upcoming 60th anniversary of its illegitimate statehood.
A woman was forced to leave of the public gallery after interrupting his speech as other protesters demonstrated outside, while Palestinian supporters published a long statement criticizing the government's position in a national newspaper.
Two powerful Australian trade unions joined the group of individuals and organizations in the advertisement, entitled "Not in our name", which urged parliament to abandon the motion.
"Australia and Australians should not give the 'Israeli' people and its leaders the impression that Australia supports them in their dispossession of the Palestinian people," the advertisement said.
The motion was later supported by the opposition and passed.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith defended the motion ahead of the parliamentary sitting, telling reporters that support for 'Israel' had been the Australian position since 1948.
"Obviously in general terms people are very concerned about what occurs in the Middle East," he said, noting that the government strongly supported the peace process.
In parliament, Rudd reaffirmed Australia's commitment to a two-state solution to the 'Israeli' -Palestinian conflict.
"We firmly believe the establishment of an independent and economically-viable Palestinian state must remain a key objective of the 'Israeli' peace process," he said.
Rudd acknowledged the past 60 years had been marked by bloodshed but said there had been signs of hope.
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