MEDIA RELEASES

AIJAC Statement in response to remarks by Foreign Minister Bob Carr at Lakemba on Thursday, August 8, 2013

Aug 9, 2013 | Colin Rubenstein

AIJAC Statement in response to remarks by Foreign Minister Bob Carr at Lakemba on Thursday
news_item/072593-130706-bob-carr.jpg

It was disappointing to hear the remarks made by Foreign Minister Bob Carr outside Lakemba Mosque at the celebrations to mark Eid al-Fitr on Thursday. While we commend Senator Carr for recognising that Palestinian statehood aspirations require “respect for the right of Israel to exist”, it is unfortunate that he did not take the opportunity to also recognise the need to ensure Israel’s security, to call for an end to all rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and incitement by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas against the Israeli population, or to reiterate Australia’s support for the current peace talks between the
Israelis and the Palestinians.

His opinion that “settlements on Palestinian land are illegal under international law and should cease” is highly contentious. Any implication that the West Bank is sovereign Palestinian territory – something it has never been – prejudges core issues of the peace process that must be negotiated.

We call on the Foreign Minister to place realistic and informed support for a negotiated two-state peace at the centre of Australia’s approach to Israeli-Palestinian issues, and to refrain from one-sided statements which prejudge the outcome and complicate peace negotiations.

 

Tags:

RELATED ARTICLES


Pro-Palestinian protestors waiting in the lobby for the Israeli families of those murdered or taken hostage by Hamas

AIJAC raises questions about handling of incident involving pro-Palestinian protestors ambushing the families of Israeli murder victims and hostages

Nov 30, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases
(Source: Pixabay)

AIJAC applauds Federal Government’s announcement of Nazi salute ban

Nov 28, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases
The 13 hostages freed on Friday evening

AIJAC statement on release of hostages by Hamas

Nov 26, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases
City,Of,Melbourne,,Vic/australia June,10th,2018:,Logo,Of,Department,Of

AIJAC response to visa announcement

Nov 22, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases
NSW Premier Chris Minns (source: Shutterstock)

AIJAC welcomes Prosecution of threats and incitement to violence bill in NSW

Nov 21, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases
Australian FM Senator Penny Wong announced new sanctions against individuals associated with Hamas on Nov. 18 (Image: Facebook)

AIJAC welcomes sanctions move on Hamas supporters – described as a “step in the right direction”

Nov 18, 2023 | Featured, Media Releases

SIGN UP FOR AIJAC EMAILS

RECENT POSTS

Pro-Palestinian protestors waiting in the lobby for the Israeli families of those murdered or taken hostage by Hamas

AIJAC raises questions about handling of incident involving pro-Palestinian protestors ambushing the families of Israeli murder victims and hostages

Masked members of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas (Image: Shutterstock)

A powerless Hamas is the only way this war will end

Pie Chart

News reports whitewash the crimes of Palestinian prisoners being released

(Image: Shutterstock)

The silence about Hamas’ ongoing war crimes

Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

A permanent ceasefire now would be a victory for Hamas

Pro-Palestinian protestors waiting in the lobby for the Israeli families of those murdered or taken hostage by Hamas

AIJAC raises questions about handling of incident involving pro-Palestinian protestors ambushing the families of Israeli murder victims and hostages

Masked members of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas (Image: Shutterstock)

A powerless Hamas is the only way this war will end

Pie Chart

News reports whitewash the crimes of Palestinian prisoners being released

(Image: Shutterstock)

The silence about Hamas’ ongoing war crimes

Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

A permanent ceasefire now would be a victory for Hamas

SORT BY TOPICS