Proposed Government Roundtable meeting
16 October 2018
ICV queries the statement by the Prime Minister that shifting the Australian embassy to Jerusalem is being considered
Why would the new Prime Minister Scott Morrison threaten to jettison the long- standing bipartisan position on the status of Jerusalem as disputed territory to be resolved as part of a final peace deal between Israel and Palestine? This also happens to be the overwhelming international view on Jerusalem.
This appears to be a cynical ploy to win votes in the upcoming Wentworth bye-election and indeed is being interpreted as such by political commentators and no doubt most of the public.
The ICV shares the PM’s apparent frustration at the dire state of the “peace process” but cannot understand how shifting Australia’s embassy to Jerusalem does anything but undermine the fading hopes for a just two state solution.
If the PM genuinely wants to resuscitate the moribund process, rather than pander to Israel and its supporters, perhaps his government should consider holding Israel to account for its ongoing occupation, flouting of multiple UN resolutions, disregard for international law, and escalating crimes against the Palestinian people.
“Australia must stop being on the wrong side of history” lamented ICV President Mohamed Mohideen. “It’s past time that Australia joined the 137 nations that have recognised the state of Palestine”, continued Mohideen.
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For further information contact ICV Media Spokesperson
Adel Salman 0421 059 095
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