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PARLIAMENTARY STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER
VISIT TO JORDAN, CYPRUS, ISRAEL, SWITZERLAND AND EGYPT
19 FEBRUARY 1987
Madam Speaker,-
I--wish-to r-epo-r-t--to-Parl-i-ament-on-thevisft I-uM-ertoo6kfrom
23 January to 3 February to Jordan, Cyprus, Israel,
Switzerland an-dEgypt.
Before this visit, no Australian Prime Minister had visited
the Middle East for three decades. Yet that region is not
only one of major international importance, but also one of
growing direct interest to Australia.
Australia's interest-in -the region stems-in part-from the
pivotal importance of the Middle East in international
affairs; in part from i-ts massive--oil-reserves; -in part
because it straddles our principal communications, trade and
travel routes. Further, the Middle East is a growth area
for Australian trade, taking exports totalling $ 1.8 billion
in 1985-86 and providing imports worth $ 1.2 billion. Our
multicultural society includes several communities with
strong links to the region. And, not least among these
interests Madam Speaker, Australia has sincere concerns of
principle in the region: we regard the conflict in Lebanon
as a human tragedy; we support the principle of
self-determination of the Palestinian people; and like
successive Australian governments we-see moral. as well as
political imperatives in our commitment to the security of
Israel and its right to exist within secure and recognised
boundaries.
Accordingly, the objectives of my visit to the Middle East
were clear. The first objective was to demonstrate that
despite our geographical distance from the region, Australia
recognises the significance of the Middle East, both in
international affairs and specifically in relation to
Australia. Secondly, I sought to acquire at the highest level an
appreciation of the political problems and prospects of the
.__ region, proj-ectingAustralia not . as a... party_. princ. ipal to the.
resolution of the various issues, but as a responsible and
concerned nation bringing to those issues a balanced and
principled policy.
Third, I sought to cement friendly and constructive
relations with the leadership and people of Israel and in
the two key moderate Arab nations, Jordan and Egypt. This
friendship had already been enhanced by visits to Australia
by Middle Eastern leaders, most recently by Presfdent Chaim"'
Herzog of Israel.
My fourth objective was to develop our good bilateral
relationships with these countries to our mutual benefit
and, in particular, to assist Australia's commercial
interests. In Cyprus, it was my intention to discuss with the Cypriot
leadership the problems besetting that island and to
underline Australia's hopes for settlement of those
problems. The visit also symbolised the-friendly relations
existing between Australia and Cyprus, not least as a legacy
of migration and settlement.
Finally in Switzerland, the objective of my visit was, at
the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, to highlight the
precarious state of the international trading system, to
argue the need for reform of agricultural trade and to
promote Australia as a focus of increased foreign investment
and as a trading partner.
I am pleased to state that all these objectives of my visit
were fully met.
The Middle East
On its election t-d-ffie, my Gobernment undertook a review
of policy towards the Arab-Israeli dispute and reaffirmed
the basic principles-which have-guided-Austraian-policy.
These principles are:
recognition of the urgent need to achieve a just,
comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Middle East
dispute. fundamental commitment to the security of Israel and its
right to exist within secure and-recognised-boundaries.
S recognition of-the-central-importance of-the Palestinian
issue for any settlement.
acknowledgement of the rights of self-determination of
the Palestinian people, including their right, if they
so choose, to independence and the possibility of their
own independent state.
During my visit to the region, I presented this policy to
all my interlocutors, as an integrated whole. It was
accepted by them all as a credible, principled, balanced and
legitimate position.
In my discussions in the Middle East which were thorough,
detailed and invariably most friendly a fundamental theme
that emerged was the desire for peace of the Governments of
the three countries I visited. The sincerity of this desire
was marked not just by a yearning for the absence of
conflict but by a-perception that real and lasting peace
will permit economic development and yield improvements in
the quality of the everyday life-fthe peopreo6faii
nations there.
However, there are differences among thel parties concernedon
the ways of achieving such a peace. In particular, there
are differences on the question of the suitability of an
international conference as a means of resolving the
differences among the parties.
Some parties want such a conference-involving the-five
permanent members of the Security Council, the nations of
the region, and the PLO. They-do not envisage it-imposing
solutions on the parties concerned but rather providing a
framework in which negotiations can take place between the
parties principal. In this sense the gap between the
concepts of an international conference and of direct
negotiations may well not be as great as is frequently
suggested.
Australia sees merit in such a proposal. Determining
details, such as the precise methods of procedure in such a
conference, remains a complex task, but this is not a reason
for the key players withholding positive-consideration of
the concept.
I was impressed during my visit by the commitment of both
Israel and Egypt to maintaining the peaceful relationship
they established through the Camp David process. I
commended both countries for the courage and creativity of
Camp David which remains a landmark in efforts to achieve
peace in this troubled region. Egypt and Israel are I
believe prepared to build further on the spirit of Camp
David. At their Alexandria summit last September, 1987 was
des i gn ated by them as__ a _ Yer_ rltiaions_ andTbelie ve
everyone in this Parliament would wish-that this hopebe
realised.
A central requirement in any resolution of Jordan's
relations with Israel is to determine the future of the
Palestinian people. In a number of the discussions I had in
the Middle East, I encountered an. emerging, important and
strongly held view that the most likely and appropriate
outcome for the Palestinian people is a confederation with
the state of Jordan.
While I was in the Middle East I had discussions with
Palestinians themselves about the problems they face on the
West Bank and in Gaza, including restrictions on their
political and economic freedoms.
I also heard from the Jordanian Government its plans for a
program of humanitarian assistance to the West Bank. I was
pleased to give this program the moral and political support
of the Australian Government and I told the Jordanians that
-we would also, in our budget-context-ycons-ider gi'ing-it
material support.
A central obstacle to progress in resolving the Middle East
dispute, I believe, is that factual realities are not fully
reflected in formal positions.
It is clear that there is no organisation at this point
which speaks for the Palestinians more than does the
Palestine Liberation Organisation, not just in the West Bank
and Gaza but more broadly in what can be thought of as the
Palestinian Diaspora. The PLO may not have an exclusive
representative status--but it-does have a representative
status. This is not a value judgement about the PLO but
simply a statement--of-fact-I -beli-eve-this-fafct is
understood in Israel.
It is equally clear that Israel's-antagonists, including
surely the PLO or at least the more sane elements of the
organisation, now accept that Israel exists and will
continue to exist as a independent and viable state in the
Middle East. They know this is a fact.
But these realities are not yet expli-citly-recognised-in thestated
policies of those parties involved. Progress towards
peace in the region could be made i-f-both-sides were-toissue
a simultaneous statement acknowledging each other's
existence if in effect each was explicitly to state what
at present it tacitly believes.
What I believe is required is for the PLO for its part
to issue a formal statement of position which would entail
acceptance of resolutions 242 and 338 as a basis for
negotiation and thus ( ii) recognition of Israel and ( iii)
renunciation of terror in favour of the process of
negotiation. For its part, Israel would be required, in the cortext of
such a formal statement of position, to recognise the-PLO as
a party appropriately to be included in the negotiating
processes.
In addition to this central Arab-Israeli dispute, my
discussions in the Middle East also covered two other
regional conflicts of very great concern to all the
government leaders I met: the continuing tragedy of civil
violence in Lebanon and the ceaseless and senseless
slaughter and destructioni-n the war between Iraq and Iran.
On Lebanon, I put AustrTia's view that all foreign forces
should be withdrawn except those which are in Lebanon at the
request of the Lebanese government and whose presence is
necessary to allow the development of conditions which canallow
social, economic and political stability to be
re-established within Lebanon and the authority of the
Lebanese government to be asserted.
I made the point that the presence in Australia of a large
and valuable Lebanese community; with close links to their
country of origin, brought the tragic situation in Lebanon
home to our national consciousness in a very graphic way.
On the Iran-Iraq war, Australia has maintained a position of
strict neutrality. Neutrality is not, of course,
disinterest. On the contrary we have tried wherever
possible, notably at the United Nations, to contribute to a
solution. We shall continue to do so.
Madam Speaker,
Australia has long proven its credentials as a country
sincerely concerned for peace in the Middle East. To theextent
possible we have been involved in measures to achieve
it: we have for instance contributed personnel to peace
keeping activities in the region and we have used
multilateral forums and bilateral links to advance the-cause
of peace wherever possible. However, it would be idle to
pretend that easy solutions exist in the region, or that
Australia has any direct role in the peace process itself.
I
To SUM up, my visit took place at a time when the path to
resolving the Arab-Israeli dispute again seemed obstructed.
There are no immediate prospects for a breakthrough. At the
same time I was encouraged by the fact that the commitment
to peace by the parties concerned has not died. Indeed,__ L___
detected a sense of realistic determination to continue,
slowly but persistently, thfesearch-for progress. Moreover,--
as I have described,.-I believe there are ideas and concepts
Swhich, if--Pursued, would Qffer aa iyahead
I have-said that Australia seeks no mediating or-other roreT
in the middle East peace process. However, as I made clear
during my visit, we are willing, if requested, to do all we
can to help bring peace to this divided yet fundamentally
interrelated region. No Australian Government can or should
offer less.
Bilateral Relations with Jordan, Israel and Egypt
I said at the outset of this report, madam Speaker, that
Australia had several important interests in the Middle
East. In Jordan, Israel and Egypt I was keen to advance the
bilateral links Australia has with each of those nations.
Australian trade with Jordan is currently weighted heavily
in our favour. In our talks in Amman, the Jordanians
expressed their desire to increase exports of phosphate
rock, potash and other fertilisers to Australia. They..
believe there may be scope for this as our current sources
of supply diminish. undertook to-study a ' draft~ tr-adiiagreement
prepared by Jordan.
Prospects exist for significant joint ventures, which will
be further explored by both countries. These include the
provision of fresh chilled sheep meat based on the
importation of live sheep from Australia for fattening in
Jordan, and Australian involvement in railway or road
development and phosphate fertiliser industries. I also
flagged Australia's interest in becoming a coal supplier to
a-new Jordanian -power-station.
Australian aid to Jordan consists principally of support for
a Dryland Farming Project. Funding-foTrthis project is-due
to expire at the end of the year; however I told the
Jordanians we would be prepared to consider a modest
extension of this project.
Beyond these government to government links, Australia is
well represented in Jordan through i-t-s-archaeologists:----I
had the very great pleasure of inspecting the site of
. Pella, one of the most-important archaeological-site-s--in-the
Middle East, which is being revealed to the world through
the capable involvement of an Australian team headed by
Professor Basil Hennessy of the University of Sydney.
In Israel, I agreed with Prime Minister Shamir to establish
a Working Party to examine the possibilities of further
economic and trade co-operation between Israel and
Australia. The Working Party's tasks will include the investigation of
Prime Minister Shamir's expression of interest in industrial
and agricultural co-operation with Australia and my
suggestion of further coal exports to Israel.-
Australia and Israel also signed a-Science and Technology
Agreement during my visit. This is a result of the valuable
contacts established by my colleague, the Minister for
Science and Technology, Mr Jones, during his visit to Israel
in 1985.
In a meeting with the mothers and relatives of refuseniks
Jews who have been denied enaw-w exit visas by the Soviet
Union I agreed to raise at every appropriate opportunity
the issue of the Soviet treatment of Jews. As I told
Parliament earlier this week, I had taken steps to
investigate the particularly pressing case of Sofia Landver,
who told me in this meeting that she-wanted to visit her
terminally -il mother in the Soviet Union. I had
representations made about her case in Moscow and Canberra,
nd I took it up_ personally with the Soviet Ambassador in
Australia. . I-am pleased to note that Mrs-Landver has sihce
been granted permission to enter the Soviet Union.
This is a significant human rights issue but, to revert for
a moment to questions of the Middle East peace process, the
issue also has a political significance. A major factor in
Israel's willingness to accept an Internatihoal Conference
involving the Soviet Union will clearly be whether the
Soviet Union is prepared to improve the posit-ion-of-Soviet-
Jewry. The Foreign Minister, Mr Hayden, and I will raise
this and other matters with the Soviet Foreign Minister,
Mr Shevardnadze, when he visits Canberra next month.
Madam Speaker, ties between this Parliament and the Israeli
Knesset are very close. Your counterpart, Mr Shlomo Hillel,
assured me a warm welcome awaits you when you visit in June.
There was also widespread approbation in Israel of this
Parliament's unanimous call last October for a rejection of
the United Nations General Assembly resolution equating
Zionism with racism.
It was apparent throughout my visit to Israel that one of
the strongest links between our two countries is formed by
Australia's large Jewish community. Its contribution to
Australian society at all levels has been incalculable and
invaluable, and its close contact with Israel has done more
to promote understanding and goodwill between our countries
than any policies, words or deeds by Governments could have
achieved.
In Cairo, as in Amman, a principal area of concern was the
strong trading imbalance. Egypt is one of Australia's
principal markets for wheat. But Egypt exports little to
us. I assured Egypt we will do all we can to expand Egypt's
opportunities to export to Australia. A Joint Committee
will be established--between -the-two-count-riesT-not only to
foster trade but to help develop _ the bilateral relationship
neyrra1lly-alag. e-ed-weew-a -i-th-the-nepte f etablishin a
joint business council, but this is in the final analysis of
courrsea--matt-er-fortbu-sine'ss community itself. The idea
-is-being investigated.
Closer agricultural co-operation is in prospect as a result
of our talks, and I noted Australia's ability to supply
technology and raw materials to projects such as the 2400
megawatt Zafarana coal fired power station.
Australia also indicated that efforts would be made to
encourage increased Australian tou. rismto_ Egypt. _ Egypt's
tourist attractions are of course well known already. But
they will be even better known as a result of the very
generous offer made by Prime Minister Sidky: that Egypt
would be pleased to participate in our Bicentennial
celebrations next year by providing a pharaonic exhibition.
We are of course delighted at this offer and look forward
with great anticipation to seeing the exhibition.
Cyprus In my visit to Cyprus, I had detailed talks with President
Kyprianou. We both noted the excellent relations that exist
between Australia and Cyprus. Tens of thousands of Greek
and Turkish Cypriots now live in Australia and continue to
make valuable contributions to our multicultural society.
The substantive discussion with President Kyprianou focused
almost exclusively on the tragic problems facing the divided
island of Cyprus. Australia has been active in the search
for a solution, both in the United Nations and through the
Commonwealth.
We strongly support the independence, sovereignty,
___ territorial-integi-t-y,-uivi-ty-and-non-a-l-i-gn-ed statu-of-the
Republic of Cyprus, as provided for in United Nations
-S-e-curity-Couni-Tl resolutions 51 and--550. I also expressedursupport
for the UN Secretary-General's-efforts to find a.
solution, while noting that none of his proposals had so far
proved acceptable to all parties. Australia believes all
sides should co-operate with the Secretary-General and take
no action which could jeopardise his efforts.
The President welcomed Australia's. support for a solution
and reiterated his Government's gratitude for Australia's
role in providing personnel to-the United-Nations Force in
Cyprus. I took the opportunity to meet Australia's contingent of
police and to express the Government's appreciation of the
contribution they and their predecessors have made to the
people of Cyprus, to the United Nations and to Australia's
reputation as a co-operative and effective member of the
international community.
Switzerland In Davos, I attended and, at the invitation of the"
organisers, delivered the keynote address at, the World
Economic Forum symposium. I saw this annual conference as a
valuable opportunity to highlight-the achievements and
potential of the Australian economy and to present before an
exceptional audience of corporate and Government Yeaders our
case against the spreading plague of protectionism in world
markets.
My keynote address focused on the urgent need to free up
world trade, particularly the trade in agricultural
products. Agricultural protectionism, as practised by the
United States, the European Community and Japan, is damaging
not only efficient agricultural producers like Australia and
-third world economies which are heavily reliant on
agricultural-trade.---It-is also damaging the protectionist
-natTons-thewselvrs. Accordin g ly, 1T' lauinc-hed att h e
symposium a proposal to freeze the level of subsidies and to
reduce the gap between worldand-domestic agricultural_
-price: s,_ so -that-market f. o rces . can~ gain ptrovide-greate-r--
rationality to agricultural trade.
These proposals are now being followed up bilaterally with
other Governments including through the efforts of the
Primary Industry Minister, Mr Kerin and the Trade Minister,
Mr Dawkins.
SAlso at -the-symposium, the Minister-for Industry, Technology
and Commerce, Senator Button and I made a special
presentation describing the significant investment and trade
opportunities that exist in Australia as a result of my
Government's economic policies. I outlined the strengths of
the Australian economy and the principal elements of the
Government's economic strategy, while Senator Button
detailed the specifics of our industrial and investment
policies. In Geneva, I took the opportunity to discuss with the
Secretary-General of the-Conference on-Disarmament,-Mr-
Miljan Komatina, in particular, our hopes for progress on a
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a Chemical Weapons convention
and a halt to the escalating arms race in outer space.
Australia has been active in pursuing-each-of these issues',
including in the Conference on Disarmament. Mr Komatina
praised the constructive role Australia has played,
I I
14.
stressing the high-level political commitment we have
demonstrated, the practical and effective attention we have
devoted to important issues such as verification, and the
dedication and professionalism of our Ambassador for
Disarmament and other Australian representatives.
Madam Speaker,
I believe that as a result of my visit our relations with
the key-Middle Eastern states of Israel, Jordan and Egypt
have-been strengthened. I am pleased to inform the House
that, on behalf of the Government, I invited King Hussein
and President Mubarak to visit Australia. These invitations
were accepted. Our commercial and other links with each of
the three countries seem set to multiply and diversify. Our
understanding of the Middle East in general has been
deepened and our commitment to fair and principled policies
in support of peace affirmed. Our friendly relationship
with Cyprus has been fortified. Our arguments against
protectionism have been advanced and our attractiveness for
foreign investment and a partner for trade has been
highlighted. I
8
PARLIAMENTARY STATEMENT BY THE PRIME
OF REPRESENTATIVES, 19 FEBRUARY 1987 MINISTER, HOUSE
VISIT TO JORDON, CYPRUS, ISRAEL,
SWITZERLAND AND EGYPT
Ministerial Statement
Mr HAWKE ( Wills-Prime Minister) -by
leave-I wish to report to Parliament on the
visit I undertook from 23 January to 3 February
to Jordan, -Cyprus, Israel, Switzerland and Egypt.
Before this visit, no Australian Prime Minister
had visited the Middle East for three decades.
Yet that region is not only one of major international
importance, but also one of growing
direct interest to Australia.
Australia's interest in the region stems in part
from the pivotal importance of the Middle East
in international affairs; in part from its massive
. reserves; in part because it straddles our
1tncipal communications, trade and travel
routes. Further, the Middle East is-a growth
area for Australian trade, taking exports totalling
$ 1.8 billion in 1985-86 and providing imports
worth $ 1.2 billion. Our multicultural society includes
several communities with strong link s to
the region. And, not least among these interests,
Madam Speaker, Australia has sincere concerns
of principle in the region: We regard the conflict
in the Lebanon as a human tragedy; wve support
the principle of self-determination of the Palestinian people; and, like successive Australian
governments, we see-moral as well as political
imperatives in our commitment to the security
of Israel and its right to-exist wvithin secure and
recognised boundaries.
Accordingly, the objectives of my visit to the
Middle East were clear. The first objective w. as
to demonstrate that, despite our geographical
distance from the region, Australia recognises
the sienificance of the Middle East, both in
International affairs and specifically in relation
to Australia.
Secondly, I sought to acquire at the highest
level an appreciation of the political problems
and prospects of the region, projecting Australia
not as a party principal to the resolution of the
various. issues, but as a responsible and concerned
nation bring to those issues a balanced
and principled policy..-
Thirdly, I sought to cement friendly and constructive
relations wvith the leadership and people
of Israel and in the two key moderate Arabnations,
Jordan and Egypt. This friendship had
already been enhanced by visits to Australia by
Middle Eastern leaders, miost recently by President
Chaim Herzog of Israel.
, Ijj>> AUS T R A L I A
19 February 1987 REPRESENTATIVES
realities are not fully relfected in formal posi-On the Iran-Iraq war, Australia has maintions.
It is clear that there is no organisation at tained a position of strict neutrality. Neutrality
this point which speaks for the Palestinians more is not, of course, disinterest. On the contrary,
than does the Palestine Liberation Organisation, we have tried wherever possible, notably at the
not just in the West Bank and Gaza but more United Nations, to contribute to a solution. We
broadly in what can be thought of as the Pales-shall continue to do so.
ttiinniiaann -DDiiaasspp-oorraa:. -TThhee PPLLOO mmaayy--nnoott---hhaavvee-a-na n--Australia has long proven iittss credentials as a
exclusive representative status but t does have country sincerely concerned for peace in the
a representative status. This is not a value judge-Middle East. To theextent.. possiblewe _ hae
ment abut the PLO but simply a statement of-been inv d measures to achieve-it: We . have
f been involved in measures to achieveit:. We. have
fact. I believe that this fact is understood in for instance contributed personnel to peace
Israel. ino activFitie in the remAon and we have used
-It is -equally clear -that Israel's-antagonists,
including surely the PLO or at least the more
s'ne elements of the organisation, now accept
that Israel exists and will continue to exist as a
independent and viable state in the Middle East.
They know this as a fact. But these realities are
not yet explicitly recognised in the stated policies
of those parties involved. Progress towards peace
in the region could be made if both sides were
to issue a simultaneous statement acknowledging
each other's existence-if in effect each was
explicitly to state what at present it tacitly
believes. What I believe is required is for the PLO, for
its part, to issue a formal statement of position
which would entail acceptance of resolutions
242 and 338 as a basis for negotiations and thus
( ii) recognition of Israel and ( iii) renunciation
of terror in favour of the process of negotiation.
For its part, Israel would be required, in the
Stext of such a formal statement of position,
to recognise the PLO as a party appropriately
to be included in the negotiating process.
In addition to this central Arab-Israeli dispute,
my discussions in the Middle East also covered
two other regional conflicts of very great concern
to all the government leaders I met: -The
continuing tragedy of civil violence in Lebanon
and the ceaseless and senseless slaughter and
destruction in the war between Iraq and Iran.
On Lebanon, I put Australia's view that all
foreign forces should be withdrawn except -those
which are in Lebanon at the request of the
Lebanese Government and whose presence is
necessary to allow the development of conditions
which can allow social, economic and political
stability to be re-established within Lebanon and
the authority of the Lebanese Government to be
asserted. I made the point that the presence in
Australia of a large and valuable Lebanese community,
with close links to their country of origin,
brought the tragic situation in Lebanon home
to our national consciousness in a very graphic
way.
Prime Miniriser's Overseas V/ isit -multilateral : forums and bilateral -links-to ad--
vance the cause of peace wherever possible.-
However, it would be idle to pretend that easy
solutions exist in the region, or that Australia
has any direct role in the peace process itself.
To sum up, my visit took place at a time
when the path to resolving the Arab-Israeli dispute
again seemed obstructed. There are no immediate
prospects for a breakthrough. At the_
same time I was encouraged by the fact that the
commitment to peace by the parties concerned
has not died. Indeed, I detected a sense of real--
istic determination to continue, slowly but persistently,
the search for progress. Moreover, as I
have described, I believe there are ideas and
concepts-which, if pursued, would offer a way
ahead. I have said that Australia seeks no mediating
or other role in the Middle East peace
process. However, as I made clear during my
visit, we are willing, if requested, to do all we
can to help bring peace to this divided yet fundamentally
interrelated region. No Australian
government can or should offer less.
Bilateral Relations with Jordan, Israel and
Egypt
said. at . the outset of thisreport that. Australia
had several important interests in the Middle
East. In Jordan, Israel and Egypt I was keen
to advance the bilateral links Australia has with
each of those nations. Australian trade with Jordan
is currently weighted heavily in our favour.
In our talks in Amman, the JordanainS expressed
their desire to increase exports of phosphate
rock, potash and other fertilisers to Australia.
They believe there may be scope for this as our
current sources of supply diminish. I undertook
to study a draft trade agreement prepared by
Jordan. Prospects exist for significant joint ventures,
which will be further explored by both countries.
These include the provision of fresh chilled sheep
meat based on the importation of live sheep
from Australia for fattening in Jordan, and Aus-
364 REPRESENTATIVES 19 February 1987
. ralian involvement in railway or road develop-the Soviet Union is prepared to improve the
ment and phosphate fertiliser industries. I also position of Soviet Jewry. The Foreign Minister
flagged Australia's interest in becoming a coal ( Mr Hayden) and I will raise this and other
supplier to a new Jordanian power station. Aus-matters with the Soviet Foreign Minister, Mr
tralian aid to Jordan consists principally of sup-Shevardnadze, when he visits Canberra next
port for a dryland farming project. Funding for month.
this project is due to expire at the end of theyear;
however, I told the Jordanians we would Ties between this Parliament and the Israeli
be prepared to consider a modest extension of Knesset are very close. The Speaker's counterthis
project. pa rt, -M -Shilbomn o ilrel, -assured-ne-th-a-a-warm--
I Beyond these government to government links, welcome awaits her when she visits in June.
AA uussttrraalliiaa iiss ww eellll pprreesseenntteedd -iinnf JFo r dd-aj-fn io-tt ihroui gii ts T-here-was-atso-widespread-approbation-n-Israel
archaeologists. I had the very great pleasure of-of this Parliament's unanimous call last October
inspecting the site of Pella, one of the most for a rejection of the United Nations Genera.
important archaeological sites in the Middle East, Assembly resolution equating Zionism with
which is being revealed to the world through the racism.
capable involvement of an Australian team It was apparent throughout my visit to Israel
headed by Professor Basil Hennessy of the Uni-that one of the strongest links between our two
versity of Sydne. countries is formed by Australia's large Jewish
In Israel, I agreed with Prime Minister Shamir community. Its contribution to Australian socito
establish a working party to examine the_ ety at all levels has been incalculable and invapossibilities
of further economic and trade co-luable, and its close contact with Israel has done
operation between Israel and Australia. The more to promote understanding and good will
working party's tasks will include the investiga-between our countries than any policies, words
tion of Prime Minister Shamir's expression of or deeds by governments could have achieved.
interest in industrial and agricultural co-operation
with Australia and my suggestion of further In Cairo, as in Amman, a principal area of
coal exports to Israel. Australia and Israel also concern was the strong trading imbalance. Egypt
signed a science and technology agreement dur-is one of Australia's principal markets for wheat.
ing my visit. This, I am pleased to say is a result But Egypt exports little to us. I assured Egypt
of the valuable contacts established by my col-that we will do all we can to expand Egypt's
league the Minister for Science ( Mr Jones) dur-opportunities to export to Australia. A joint
ig his visit to Israel in 1985. committee will be established between the two
In a meeting with the mothers and relatives countries, not only to foster trade but to help
of refuseniks-Jews who have been denied entry develop the bilateral relationship generally. I also
or exit visas by the Soviet Union-I agreed to agreed with the concept of establishing a joint
raise at every appropriate opportunity the issue business council, but this is in the final analysis,
of the Soviet treatment of Jews. As I told Par-of course, a matter for the business community
liament earlier this week, I had steps taken to---itself.-The idea is being investigated; Closer aginvestigate
the particularly pressing case of So-ricultural co-operation is in prospect as a result
phia Landver, who told me in this meeting that of our talks, and I noted Australia's ability to
she wanted to visit her terminally ill mother in supply technology and raw materials to projects
the Soviet Union. She was subsequently granted such as the 2,400-megawatt Zafarana coal fired
permission to enter the Soviet Union, but I have power station.
learned only this morning that tragically her
mother died before she was able to travel to see Australia also indicated that efforts would be
her. One consequence of the efforts made on her made to encourage increased Australian tourism
behalf, however, is that two other relatives of to Egypt. Egypt's tourist attractions are, of
Mrs Landver have apparently been given exit course, well known already. But they will be
visas by the Soviet authorities. even better known as a result of the very gen-
This is a significant human rights issue but, to crous offer made by Prime Minister Sidky that
revert for a moment to questions of the Middle Egypt would be pleased to participate in our
East peace process, the issue also has a political bicentennial celebrations next year by providing
significance. A major factor in Israel's willing-a pharaonic exhibition. We are, of course, deness
to accept an international conference ii-lighted at this olTer and look forward with great
volving the Soviet Union will clearly be whether anticipation to seeing the exhibition.
P'rim~ e Mi~ ise~ r's Oversears Visit
19 February 1987 REPRESENTATIVES 365
Cyprus
In my visit to Cyprus, I had detailed talks
with President Kyprianou. We both noted the
excellent relations that exist between Australia
and Cyprus. Tens of thousands of Greek and
Turkish Cypriots now live in Australia and continue
to make extremely valuable contributions
to our multicultural society. The substantive discussion_
with_ President Kypriarnou_ focused _ almost
exclusively on the tragic problems facing
the divided island of Cyprus. Australia has been
active i tlie-search forTa solution; both n-rThe
United Nations and through the Commonwealth.
We strongly support the independence, sovereignty,
territorial integrity, unity and non-aligned
status of the Republic of Cyprus, as provided
for in United Nations Security Council resoutions
541 and 550. I also expressed our support
for the UN Secretary-General's efforts to find a
sulution, while noting that none of his proposals
had so far proved acceptable to all parties. Australia
believes all sides should co-operate with
the Secretary-General and take no action which
could jeopardise his efforts. The President wel,
comed Australia's support for a solution and
reiterated his Government's gratitude for Australia's
role in providing personnel to the United
Nations force in Cyprus. I took the opportunity
to meet Australia's contingent of police and to
express the Government's appreciation of the
contribution they and their predecessors have
made to the people of Cyprus, to the United
. tions and to Australia's reputation as a cooperative
and effective member of the international
community. Switzerland
In Davos, 1 attended and, at the invitation of
the organisers, delivered the keynote address at
the World Economic Forum symposium. I saw
this annual conference as a valuable opportunity
to highlight the achievements and potential of
the Australian economy and to present before
an exceptional audience of corporate and government
leaders our case against the spreading
plague of protectionism in world markets.
My keynote address focused on the urgent
need to free up world trade, particularly the
trade in agricultural products. Agricultural protectiionism,
as practised by the United States, the
European Community and Japan is not only
damaging efficient agricultural producers like
Australia and Third World economics which are
heavily reliant on agricultural tadc. It is also
damaging the protectionist nations themsclvcs.
Accordingly. I launched at thel symposium ia proposal to freeze the level of subsidies and to
reduce the gap between world and domestic
agricultural prices so that market forces can
again provide greater rationality to agricultural
trade. These proposals are now being followed
up bilaterally with other governments, including
through the efforts of the Minister for Primary
Industry ( Mr Kerin) and the Minister for Trade
( Mr Dawkins).
Also at the symposium, the Minister for Industry,
Technology and Commerce ( Senator
Button) and I-made-a--special-presentation--describing
the significant investment and trade opportunities
that exist in Australia as a result of
my Government's economic policies. I outlined
the strengths of the Australian economy and the
principal elements of the Government's economic
strategy. while Senator Button detaiied
the specifics of our industrial and investment
policies. In Geneva, I took the opportunity to discuss
with the Secretary-General of the Conference on
Disarmament, Mr Miljan Komatina, in particular,
our hopes for progress on a comprehensive
test ban treaty, a chemical weapons convention
and a halt to the escalating arms race in cuter
space. Australia has been active in pursuing each
of these issues, including in the Conference o:-
Disarmament. Mr Komatina praised the constructive
role Australia has played, stressing the
high level political commitment we have demonstrated,
the practical and effective attention
we have devoted to important issues such as
verification, and the dedication and professionalism
of our Ambassador for Disarmament and
other Australian representatives.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I believe that as a result
of my visit our relations with the key Middle
Eastern states of Israel, Jordan and Egypt have
been strengthened. 1 am pleased to inform the
House that, on behalf of the Government, I
invited King Hussein and President Mubarak to
visit Australia. These invit: ations were accepted.
Our commercial and other links with each of
the three countries seem set to multiply and
diversify. Our understanding of the Middle East
in general has been deepened, and our commitment
to fair and principled policies in support
of peace aftirmed. Our friendly relationship with
Cyprus has been fortified. Our arguments against
protectionism have been advanced and our attractiveness
for foreign investment and as a partner
for trade has been highlighted.
1' rime Hinister's Overseas Visit