AUSTRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE, MARRIOTT HOTEL. AMMAN. JORDAN
24 JANUARY 1987
PROOF--ONL-Y-----
PM: Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose to-make a brief-opening
statement and then, if I can, to distribute the questions evenly
between the local media and the representatives of the Australian
press. I have today had verylong-and--fruitful discussions with--
His Majesty and with the Prime MInister and with members of his
government. As I think you will appreciate this is the first
visit by an Australian Prime Minister to Jordan and it is
reciprocation, albeit somewhat belated, of the visit to Australia
by His Majesty in 1976 and by the Crown Prince in 1977. I am
certain that on the basis of these lengthy talks that we have
had and in the light of the visits to which I refer it is now
clear that the relationship between our two countries is on a
firm, friendly, mature and constructive basis. On the key issue
of the resolution of the Middle East dispute, I took the opportunity
of making clear to His Majesty the admiration that I and the
Government and the people of Australia have for the readiness
which His Majesty and the Government of Jordan have consistently
shown in their search for a negotiated settlement of the Middle
East dispute. It is a matter to be noted, I think with great
admiration, how His Majesty has sustained his search now over
many years despite the diffidil-t-i-and'the di-sappointments-tha-. t
have attended those efforts on his part, and that he continues
that search for a negotiated settlement at the present time.
I was given a detailed, cogent and, if I may say so, very interesting
account of Jordan's perceptions of the condition of the peace
processes. Both His Majesty and the Prime Minister affirmed the
determination of Jordan to try and inject momentum into the peace
process because they expresse and in my judgement, properly
expressed, the apprehension that if the peace processes stall
and despair takes the place of hope then the slide into conflict
becomes inevitable. In particular, both His Majesty and the Prime
Minister expressed their support for an international conference
as an integral part of the process. And I told them that Australia
sees merit in the concept-of an international conference. It
was made clear to me that the aim of Jordan remains a
comprehensive and just settlement based upon resolutions242 and
338. And I took the opportunity of telling both His Majesty and
the Prime Minister of Australia's support for a just, comprehensive
and lasting settlement and for the resolutions 242 and 238 as
an integrally important part of that process. And in that context,
I reaffirmed our support for the position, which is theirs, of
Israel's right to exist within secure and recognised boundaries.
And of the rights of the Palestinian people. I had outlined to
me Jordan's West Bank economic development plan. And Australia's
moral and political support and if possible material support was
PM cont: sought. I expressed to both His Majesty and the Prime
Minister our support for that plan as a humanitarian scheme
calculated to improve the livelihood and well being of the people
of the West Bank. And I undertook on my return to Australia to
consider with my Ministers the possibility of some form of Australian
material support for that plan. We also discussed the tragic
situation in the Lebanon. The tragedy which has a particularly
sharp profile for us in Australia because of the large population
of Lebanese origin that we have in country. And both the Prime
Minister and His Majesty also explained at length to me their
perceptions of. and concern about, the tragic conflict between
Iran and Iraq and of the very grave potential for regional
destabilisation which is involved in the continuation of that
~ cnlc.-H is--a-jesty--descr ibed-to-me-how-he--was -hope fulI
participating countries in next week's Kuwait/ Islamic conference
might address how this tragic Iraq/ Iran war may be brought to
end. I am pleas-ed'to inf'orm you that-I also took the opportunity
in my meeting with His Majesty to invite His Majesty to visit
Australia at.-the ear-liest--opportunity. . And I am. very -pleased
to say that His Majesty indicated both his pleasure at the
invitation and his intention to take up that invitation at the
first convenient opportunity. We also, of course, particularly
in the dicussions with the Prime Minister and the other Ministers
had considerable discussions on matters of bilateral interest.
And I will have distributed to you fairly shortly a two page summary
of an agreed statement between the Prime Minister and his Ministers
on the one hand and myself which sets out the broad areas that
we covered. Suffice to say at this point that we affirmed the
cordiality of our relations, the significance that we attached
both of us to improving, increasing, the economic and commercial
relationship between us. And understandably, the Jordanian Ministers
referred to the imbalance in trade between us which-currently
is about three to one in favour of Australia. And the proposition
was raised of the possibility of a trade agreement
t o be signed between us. That wds raised by my Jordanian friends.
-And I -undertook to -have-A-drafCtg -e stde -Atstralika7--
Possibilities were examined for increasing the trade between us
and there was agreement to study in further detail, both at
the level of Ministers and at the level of businessmen in both
countries the opportunites, for further trade between us. As you
will see from the note that will be distributed interest was
expressed on both sides on the possibility of joint Jordanian/
Australian ventures in this country. Ventures which would have
the possibility of serving both Jordan and regional markets as
well as the Australian market. And the possibility of such joint
ventures is something now to be further explored. In particular,
there was raised the possibility of fresh-chilled sheep meat based
on the importation of live sheep from Australia for fattening
in Jordan. The possibilities of joint ventures in the area oftransport
development and-in the area of phosphate fertiliser
industries in Jordan. In the area of technical cooperation, there
was a review of current levels of assistance and we expressed
our readiness to do more in this area consistent with our budge-104( y
possibilities. There is in existence~ as many of you will know)
an existing dry land farming project which currently is scheduled
to end its operation at the end of this year and I indicated to
the Prime Minister my strong positive disposition to arrange for
an extension of that project beyond the end of 1987. / 3
JOURNALIST: Mr Prime Minister, what order of material support
were you thinking of in terms of this development plan?
PM: Are you talking about the West Bank Development Plan. I
can't make any commitment on that until I talk with my colleagues
about it. I explained to the Prime Minister that we had in Australia
last year to curtail the extent of our foreign aid because of
the very substantial loss of national income of the order of
$ 6 billion that we have suffered with the adverse turnaround
in the terms of trade. I was pleased to be able to say that in that
context the level of assistance to Jordan had not been cut in
any way, in fact it marginally increased. So the extent of our
capacity to provide some assistance will be a matter for discussion
with my-Ministers. And that is-someth-ing-that--is understood-bymy
friends here.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, where6_ ducF the -King-and thUe ' Prime
Minister rate the search for peace at the moment. If they said
to you that they feared the slide to conflict was inevitable-i~ f
peace processes failed where is it now?
PM: I think it is fair to put it this w. ay-that there is a stalling
in the process. But I must emphasise that both the Prime Minister
and His Majesty were not totally pessimistic. They said simply
that you cannot afford to be pessimistic in this situation.
They recognise the difficulties that exist but expressed, each
of them, their total commitment to continue this search for peace.
There is a preparedness to talk with all parties involved and
I certainly left my discussions with both of them of a feeling
of realistic optimism, if I can put it that way. That is they
recognise the very, very considerable difficulties that exist
but believe that if there is a commitment and if there is integrity
that a resolution can be found. But it is not something.
obviously that is going to occur quickly. I think it would be
fair to say that while obviously they attach vast importance to
the -resolution of the-Israel i/ Arab-cof 7ct-that--in--the sense---
of looking at the possibilities of significant destabilisation
in the area of the conflict between Iran and Iraq even more
important. And that is why both the King and the Prime Minister
are hopeful that out of the Islamic conference in Kuwait next
week there will be some sort of strong statement which may possibly
lead to positive developments there.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you were talking about peace and
the probable optimism that exists here. Would you say that it
could have helped had you allowed the conference on Palestine
to take place in Australia with the admission of the PLO
representative? PM: I think it would have had-no influence upon what-was happening
here at all.
JOURNALIST: Not here but in the peace process?
PM: No, I don't think that of itself it would have made any
difference. JOURNALIST: Mr H-awke, did the Jordanian Government PLO
participation in the international conference? And would the
Australian Government support PLO in the conference? / 4
PM: Obviously, the position of Jordan is that the PLO is a
significant representative body of the Palestinian people. And
they regard the participation of the PLO in the conference concept
as necessary. Our view is that the question of an international
conference and its composition is a matter for the parties. AS
to the position of the PLO. let me put the position this way.
There are really three points which I think are relevant. And
this just doesn't relate to the question of an international
conference. Firstly, the position of Australia has been and remains
that we will not recognise the PLO while it continues to deny
the right of Israel to exist. Secondly, however, we acknowledge
the significance of the PLO as a body representative of Palestinian
interests. And we say that the capacity of the PLO to play a
role would be strengthened to -th eten 7ht__ 1 recognised-the
right of Israel to exist and within that framework recognised
the relevance of resolutions 242 and 338 as--a-basis.-for-negotiat-ion.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, have you been asked to convey any
message from the Jordanian-Governmen t-to -the-I srae--Governmentin
relation to..
PM: No. I haven't been asked to act as messenger. But I think
that the whole content of discussions that one has in these sort
of circumstances in something that is best kept~ except to the
extent which it is appropriate to outline it as I have, best kept
between ourselves. Let me say this that both on my part and on
the part of His Majesty and the Prime Minister we have undertaken
to keep in contact with each other.
JOURNALIST: What explanation have you been given about the Crown
Prince's absence?
PM: I haven't asked for, nor been given.
JOURNALIST: You said that _ you wouldn't Israel
doesn't recognise the PLO equally, how Gen-you..
PM: The term recognition is. I think, somewhat confused in the
question. I don't think there is any doubt about the fact that
Israel recognises that the PLO exists. I was using the phrase
if you like in the technical, diplomatic sense that we. as a
Government in Australia. wouldn't formally recognise the PLO.
That doesn't mean that there has not been contacts between this
Government and representatives of the PLO. And indeed that goes
back to the period before my Government came into office. There
is contact between representatives of my Government and the PLO
that has taken place at diplomatic posts and also at the United
Nations. JOURNALIST: Do you have any specific reason why your Government
turned down the UN request to hold the seminar in Australia?
PM: I wouldn't in fact promote this into a matter of very great
significance. The advice was put to me and which I readily accepted
was that at this stage it was not appropriate this year in 1987
to sponsor that conference in Australia. If the situation arises
at a later date it is open for consideration.
JOURNALIST: In what context are you expecting the situation to
arise? PM: I don't know whether there will be a further request. There
PM: may be at a later date. I am simply saying that the
recommendation that was made to me~ and which I acceptedlapplied
to 1987.
JOURNALIST: Why is it not appropriate?
PM: I guess that if you wish to pursue that you could pursue
it with the Foreign Minister. Part of the reason that was put
to me'that there were other conferences being held in other countries
and there was no necessity in Australia at this stage. I don't
frankly see it as a matter of very great moment.
JOURNALIST: Does it bear any relationship to the fact that there
is-an--e-ec t ion-th-is-year?
PM: No.
JOURNALIST: You have good relations with Israel and the Arab
-world. __ How do you think-Australia can play a major role?
PM: I don't think that we can play a major role. I said that
before I left-Australia. And I take this opportunity of repeating
it. We are very realistic about our position. Firstly, let me
make the points as to why we have a very deep interest in the
situation. Firstly, it is a tragedy for the people in the area.
And is a potential flashpoint for wider conflict in the region
itself and for that reason, obviously, Australia has an interest.
Something like a third of both our exports and our imports pass
through the Suez Canal. A great deal of our international
communication passes through the region. So we have those sorts
of interests in addition. But having said that we are a small
nation of only 16 million people. WE are not a powerful nation.
I think we are a nation which is respected by the major elements
involved in the dispute. And so what I have said, and I hope it
is accepted in this sense , is that we don't therefore suggest or
imply that we can be a mediator--a setiiler. But -simpliy--say t-hat
because of the relations that we have -with the countries in the
region. If they feel that there is any way in which we can, however
small that way may be, to be of assistance then we are prepared
to be so.
JOURNALIST: There have been media reports that there are the
possibility of joint Jordanian and Israeli economic cooperation,
In your talks today was this raised as a possibility?
PM: No. the only part of the discussions which I think could
be relevant to that question. Greg. were that there was a recognition
that some of the sorts of things that have been said by Mr Peres
at the time when he was Prime Minister about possible Israeli
economic assistance in the West Bank was consistent with the sorts
of concepts that are involved with Jordan's-economic development
plan. But in my discussions there was no reference to Israeli/
Jordanian projects.
JOURNALISTS: Are you going to meet with any Palestinian
personal ities?
PM: Yes, I am. I don't know their names at this stage. But
I understand from what I have been told so far they represent 01
cross-section of the Palestinian community in terms of their
religious affiliation, their professions, their status in the
Palestian community, their ou~ Aook and their generational attitudes.
The names at this stage I don t know.,-
JOURNALIST: Mr Hawke. NZA1 the involvement of the PLO
representative a factor in the Australian Government's declining
to
PM: it was one of the factors mentioned by the Foreign Minister
in our discussions.
JOURNALIST: What is the number of the Arab community in Australia?
PM: It is difficult to put a precise figure on it because of
the classifications in Lhe Census and Statistics form but I think
broadly it would be said that the order of people of Arab or Muslim
background of-the-or-dcr--of--quarter-of-a-m-i-1H-i-on. I_
JOURNALIST: Prime Ministerin your interview with Jordanian
television last night~ you were asked the question " how about Jordan's
call for holding an international peace conference what is your
opinion on that. po int?" Andyoit. rqpltied " yes., I believe there
can be a place for such a conference. We raise no objection to
that concept". You then went on and made some other points.
The specific proposal, as I understand it, from Jordan is that
the permanent members of the Security Council would be party to
that. And as I also understand it, I1srael objects to that. Now
in answering that question are you saying that you do accept
the Jordanian concept that the permanent members of the Security
Council would be involved in such a conference?
PM: I think that the concept that they are putting forward is
something that has merit. I have said that. What I am saying
is that it is going to be a matter for the parties to determine
the structure, the procedures and the functions of a conference.
I believe it is the position of the Jordanian Government that
such a conference could not impose decisions that would involve
some discussions on a regional basis and in the end how that
international conference would-be stru~ tured-wo3uld-be -a-matter--
as I say, for resolution between the major parties. What I am
saying is that I see merit in the concept that the Jordanians
are putting forward and it is going to be a matter that has to
be thrashed out between the parties. Clearly, the position of
the Jordanians in something which must be taken into account.
JOURNALIST: Could I ask as a follow-up question that if. in fact,
one of the stumbling blocks to that conference is Israel's objection
to the Soviet Union's involvement. Given that the Israeli Prime
Minister has already foreshadowed that he may ask you for your
assistance in the release of Soviet Jews to Israel, do you feel
that there is any place for you to raise in turn with the Israeli
Prime Minister that perhaps there may be some way that Israel's
objections could be broken down if that is a stumbling block?
PM: Obviously, when I meet the Prime Minister and the Deputy
Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister. Mr Peres, I will be having detailed
discussions with them about this whole issue. And I don't intend
to prejudice the discussions that I intend to have with Mr Shamir
and Mr Peres by making some announcements in advance. But I go
into those discussions with a very deep commitment to do whatever
I can to assist the processes of achieving a peaceful resolution
of this dispute. I don't think whatever small part Australia may
be able to play would be assisted by making some public announcement
in advance of how I will approach those discussions. But I will
be doing evcrything I can possibly can to assist the process.
7.
JOURNALIST: Mr Hawke. on that point. Though you stress that
you are riot here as a mediator or advocat e, have there been any
specific sucjqestiuns about how you could contribute to the peace
process? PM: I think in the dIiscussions we have had today certdin Lhinqs
have flowed from that, but I repeat it is not appropriate when
you have di scuss ions withi one government. and you are going on
to have discuss]. ons with another that you indicate what may flow
frmthe one into the oLher. You doni; conduct disciussioris ' In
that way, 1 certairtly dor. t..
-Y. IjURNAL [ S1 You--give-the -fee .1-i rig-you-ca-rr-y-i-nq--a-mes-s-age--i1Shri--
waiiting for an answer?
PZ: No. I am not Carrying a' message7.' What-has hfa-ppened. is that
have been given a very particular opportunity ot hearin i
." he f rankes possible way the views of His Majesty dtnd of the
Prime M4inister. They could not have been more forthicomig, more
frank, more courteous. more friendify in the exposition they have
given me of the vie-w of the Jordanian Government. Now that put-,
me in a positionl where in my discussions with the Israeli
Government that i am able to do so with that fullest possiole
knowledge. And all L am saying and all I am intending to con-vey
the answers that I have given is that I don't think it is useful
that I should say in advance of meating Mr Shamir and
Mr Peres this is what che King said, this is what the Prime
Min~ ister said and this is what I am going to say to. the Prime
tirtSter of T sraeL and the Foreign Minister of I1srael on the
basis of what I have been told here. That is not the way 1 condlUCt
myself. Blut you are not to confer from what is a sensible and
intelligeriL response that I am making to you to conctiide thiat
" Ir Hawke qas got a message which he is takiny arnd he Is not qoing
to teli you. That is not a logical conclusion to arrive at.
JOURNALIST: From you own point of vi. ew and particularly in
view of today's talks, do you believe that there is more common
ground now between Israel and jordan than in the past?
PM: It is not possible. Kerry, to give a final answer to that
question, obviously, until I have spoken with the Israeli
Government. By definition. I don't know the answer to that question
until I have spoken with them. But what I can say is that I couldn't
have been more impressed than I have been with the integrity and
commitment of His Majesty and of his Gov. ernmient. They are seeking
with great steadfastness I believe to secure a just and reasonable
and lasting resolution to this dispute. I am now-in a position
as a result of my talks to know that with completeness. f am
in a position to know the nature of their thinking.-And alL A
can say is that I believe from listening to-His Majesty and to
the Prime Minister that there ought to be, albeit throughl perhaps
somewhat protracted processes, prolonged negotiations -' that tier
ought to be a basis for finding a resolution of this dispute.
But 1 can't obviously answer until I have had the opportunity
of talking with the Prime Minister and with Mr Peres.
JOURNALIST: Did the Royal Couple show any interest in the America's
Cup? PM: They did, indeed.
JOURNALIST: Any bets?
PM: No, but I think I am not disclosing a state secret if I indicate
that they are hoping for an Australian victory.
ENDS I.