Henrietta Dubb's Diary
Are we really
ready to be serious, or not?
New Zealand is our nearest Pacific neighbour, our
closest cousin, historically speaking. Last week two Mossad spies were gaoled
in New Zealand for illegally trying to obtain New Zealand passports. The
Government of Helen Clarke sent a diplomatic shot across the Israeli
Government's bows - normal relations will be resumed when the Israeli
Government issues a formal apology. The Israeli President is not welcome to
continue his trip in NZ after his State visit to Australia.
What I want to know is this: Why wasn't the visit to
Australia cancelled? What kind of message has Australia sent to the region by
failing to insist that the Israelis apologize?
On this issue our PM has already spoken. http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/16/1089694532189.html?oneclick=true
"I don't want to look as though I'm interfering in other people's
affairs.
"(But) I do have good relations with the leaders of both countries,
obviously we're very close to the New Zealanders, but I (also) have a very
close association with Israel."
Adding that he understood the New Zealand approach he added:
"On the other hand, we all have to be sensible and think in the medium
to longer-term in these things,"
When it comes to taking a stand on principle why does
it always have to be a "but" or an "on the
other hand"? Is it statesman's language? What has an
incumbent PM's "close association" got to do with it? He is Prime
Minister of a parliamentary democracy. Our way of government requires adherence
to the rule of law. The PM is an office bearer and any personal ties are beside
the point.
If Australia had by now stood with the New Zealanders
it is likely that our relations with Israel would have improved in the
"medium to longer term." Israel would know we do not accept when our
friends are pushed around. Besides, the Government in Djakarta would have sat
up and taken notice. Our ambiguous relationships with our South Pacific neighbours
would have taken on a new and healthy dimension; we would show we were serious
about taking a leading in security in the region. And all by simply emphasizing
the importance of the rule of law in international relationships. We do believe
that bilateral friendships flourish best when the law is respected, don't we?
So, why didn't the PM & co tell the Israeli
President to postpone his visit until his Government had issued its apology? Is
New Zealand our close friend and ally or not? Or is our hobnobbing with
"close associates" more important than the rule of law?
This would be one way to demonstrate that we have to
be serious about taking a "whole of government" approach in our
contribution to the war on terrorism. We would simply insist that those countries
that want us to be their allies act lawfully and legally with our friends. How
else?
Henrietta Dubb, Christian citizen of the 21st century.
July 2004
© Henrietta Dubb's Diary, is written and published by
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