Question on Notice #27: United Nations Security Council - Israel

3rd Aug 04

United Nations Security Council
(Question No. 3641)
Mr Organ asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 15 June 2004:

(1)As a consequence of resolution 1544 of 2004 by the United Nations Security Council, will the Australian Government join in condemning the demolition of homes and the attacks on unarmed protestors and others by the Israeli military.

(2)Will the Australian Government join in condemning the continued occupation by the Israeli military of the West Bank and Gaza and East Jerusalem.

(3)Since January 2000, what were the (a) form, (b) extent and (c) occasions of co-operation between the Israeli and Australian Defence forces.

Mr Downer —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1)UNSCR 1544 was passed in response to Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip in May. The Australian Government supports Israel's right to defend itself from attack, but is deeply concerned at the impact of military operations which have resulted in civilian deaths and the demolition of a substantial number of homes in Rafah. The Government has consistently urged Israel, most recently on 20 May through our Ambassador in Tel Aviv, to ensure that its defensive measures do not unnecessarily increase Palestinian hardship.

(2)Australia will continue to support a negotiated, peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the right of Israel to exist within secure and recognised borders in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

(3)Since January 2000 there have been no occasions of cooperation between the Israeli and Australian Defence forces. Contacts between the ADF and IDF have been limited to liaison, visits and dialogue on naval issues, including submarine escape and rescue.