“It’s Time”: APAN welcomes Labor Party Decision on Palestine
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network welcomes the Labor National Conference resolution calling on the next Labor Government to recognise Palestine.
“The Labor Party’s decision can provide a positive injection of hope and dynamism into the stalled peace process,” said Bassam Dally, Vice-President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
“We acknowledge this as a very important, symbolic step to recognising the rights of Palestinians to a homeland – free from Israel’s continued chokehold over Palestinians.
“Whilst it’s not with the urgency we had hoped for given the gravity of the situation, we commend the Party’s leadership in passing this motion and prioritising this issue.
“Recognition of Palestine is not a matter of ‘if’ – simply a matter of when. And in doing so, Australia would join 138 other countries around the world in recognising Palestine.”
“We would also like to commend the efforts of many people working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Australia steps up to the plate, and joins global efforts working towards a just and lasting peace in the interests of all parties,” Dally said.
Along with this decision, APAN congratulates Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, on her announcement increasing aid to the Palestinians as well as a pledge to reverse the egregious Morrison decision recognising West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
APAN looks forward to the next Labor government honouring their commitment to recognising Palestine in their first term.
APAN deplores Jerusalem announcement
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is dismayed by the Morrison government’s announcement that it will recognise West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a move that only serves to appease extremist elements of the Party while further slamming closed the door to peace.
“As Israel claims exclusive sovereignty over all of Jerusalem and refuses to abide by United Nations resolutions calling it to withdraw from occupied East Jerusalem, we cannot give them a free kick,” said Bishop George Browning, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
Its time: Recognise Palestine!
The ALP National Conference is about to decide policy for the next three years.
Join our campaign to call them to commit to Recognising Palestine!
If you are in Adelaide, then please Labor Fringe event Palestine Recognition? What MP’s saw on the ground – and hear from parliamentarians that traveled to Palestine with APAN.
Australian Embassy in Jerusalem – no way!
APAN mobilised to ensure Prime Minister Morrison’s ludicrous thought-bubble to move Australia’s embassy to Jerusalem will be thoroughly popped! We undertook an e-campaign where nearly 4,000 Australians wrote to their local representatives, and was active in the media.
See APAN’s press coverage in:
ABC online
ABC Radio
The Guardian Opinion Piece
The Guardian – News story
Time Magazine
AP News
Washington Post
Nine News
SBS News
Australian Financial Review
Sydney Criminal Lawyers Blog
Australia must not move Israeli Embassy
media release, 10.30am 16/10/18
“Scott Morrison’s position that moving Australia’s Embassy to Jerusalem would not impact on its commitment to a two-state solution is ludicrous” said Bishop George Browning, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
“Australia is aligning itself with the most erratic, reactionary and bullish US foreign policy ever. It is an irresponsible announcement that will put Palestinian human rights further back, for a handful of votes in Wentworth”.
