EMBARGO: 5: 00 pmn
FOR MEDIA SUNDAY, .11 OCTOBER, 1981
ELECTORATE TALK
We live in a troubled and uncertain world, in which it sometimes
seems that stability and a clear sense of direction are almost
the exception rather than the rule.
The assassination of President Sadat is not only a tragedy for
his country and for stability in the Middle East, but it also
serves to remind us of the damage that is caused when
unreasonableness and division are allowed to take first place in
human affairs.
In 1977, after 30 years of continual warfare in the Middle East,
President Sadat made his historic and courageous visit to
Jerusalem to address the Knesset, and thus opened the path to
negotiation in the quest for peace. And then in 1979, the
Egyptian/ Israeli peace treaty Teas signed. I said at the time
that the world hoped that work on a comprehensive Middle East
settlement would proceed in the aftermath of that treaty.
But now, while itis obviously too early to assess the full
consequences that will flow from President Sadat's assassination,
the world clear!-, has to cope with the aftermath of a tragedy.
Not everyone, as we know, agreed with what President Sadat was
doing, although everyone must surely respect him for his courage
and his objectives of peace and stability and certainly no
benefits will follow from what has taken place.
The assassination of President Sadat is not an isolated incident.
There have been at least five other assassinations and attempted
assassinations of world leaders during this year. It is never easy
to learn lessons or draw conclusions from this kind of madness
and terror. Some say thaL the world has lost its way and certainly
there are many people in the world who are disturbingly uncertain
about where-the course of progress really lies. But by the same
token, there are other people who are so fanatical in their own
convictions and aspirations that they lack a sense of balance.
In a troubled world, we surely need a sense of our own direction
and objectives as a nation, and we need above all to be realistic.
Wie need to be willing to face up to problems, and confront issues
head on. There is a need for firmness, together with an open
and frank approach. PRIME MINISTER / 2 I ' S
-2-
The civilised discussion of major hriman issues requires more
support than ever before. That is why the value of meetings
such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Melbourne
cannot be over-estimated. The Commonwealth is, as President
Kaunda of Zambia said in Melbourne, a civilised association
of nations. Around the conference table and in private
discussions, more than a quarter of the world's leaders proposedI
and considered ways of making the world -a better place to live iun.
The Commonwealth has, over the years, and particularly in relation
to Zimbabwe and Namibia, displayed vision and courage in
seeking practical means for the settLlement of international
conflicts. At the Melbourne meeting, difficult-rnd contentious
issues were tackled and firm specific statements resulted.
There was a real commitment to build on the good will that exists
within the Commonwealth, in order to bring practical proposals
to the dialogue about issues of poverty and development and
to other problems as well.
I am proud that such a successful conference was held in 0
Australia, and our visitors so enjoyed the friendliness which
they encountered here that they have become ambassadors for
Australia. The Commonwealth leaders, with their determined practicality,
their refusal to be distracted from the central themes, and
their willingness to discuss issues openly with each other,
have set an example for others'to follow in the vision and
sincerity of their leadership. 000---