MEDIA RELEASES

Mark Leibler Speaks to President Rivlin about his cancelled State Visit

Mar 4, 2016

Mark Leibler Speaks to President Rivlin about his cancelled State Visit
news_item/rivlin-flag.jpg

Media Release

 

AIJAC National Chairman Mark Leibler, AC, spoke to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin this week regarding the postponement of the planned State Visit to Australia. The phone conversation, initiated by President Rivlin, followed the president’s conversation earlier the same night with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

In their discussion, the President apologised unreservedly for cancelling the planned visit. He explained the circumstances which he said had led him to conclude he had no choice but to cancel, and said his phone call with Prime Minister Turnbull had been very constructive – although the Prime Minister was not reticent in conveying his disappointment at the cancellation of the visit. President Rivlin also said that he had told the prime minister that he would love to reschedule his visit and would agree to do so at a time nominated by the Australian Government.

President Rivlin also specifically asked Mr. Leibler to pass on both his best wishes and his apologies to the Australian Jewish Community.

Mr Leibler, for his part, conveyed the disappointment of the Australian Jewish community over the cancellation to the President, and also said he had received communications from the Australian Government indicating their deep disappointment as well. He also mentioned to the President that he would be seeing Prime Minister Turnbull in Canberra on the following day, in relation to other matters, and had no doubt the Prime Minister would raise this issue.

While Prime Minister Turnbull did raise the issue, Mr Leibler said of their discussion, “I think it is reasonably clear from our frank conversation that, despite his disappointment, there is no real damage to the warm relationship between Australia and lsrael. ln fact, the Prime Minister said that he would welcome a visit from lsrael’s Prime Minister at the appropriate time.”

For more information, contact AIJAC on (03) 9681 6660.

 

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