Labor should encourage regional recognition of Israel and Palestine
Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong crafted a powerful pro-Palestine policy at Labor’s national conference, one that Colin Rubenstein explains (“Morrison’s Jerusalem call a moral nudge to UN”, 19/12) is an extension of government policy.
In office, Labor will recognise the independence and statehood of both Israel and Palestine. This will necessitate recognition of Palestine’s geographical borders and capital city because there cannot be an independent state without defined territory and seat of government.
Labor must also therefore recognise West Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel and the appropriate place for Australia’s embassy. A consulate office in East Jerusalem may be practical. And bipartisanship here would be well received but, if Wong really wants to make a difference, Labor’s would-be minister for foreign affairs would encourage Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to also recognise both Israel and Palestine. A two-state solution will never be achieved if moderate Muslim nations continue to refuse recognition of the Jewish state.
Greg Jones, Kogarah, NSW
Glorification of terrorism
Kevin Burke (Letters, 18/12) bemoans the lack of understanding of Palestinians. They consist of two groups, one of which is a terrorist organisation and the other preaches hatred and glorifies terrorist conduct. Recognition of a state that sponsors terrorism is not an issue of understanding. Payments to terrorists and their families are enshrined in Palestinian law, provided for in the Palestinian budget and supported by foreign aid.
It is unfortunate that we are unable to understand this attitude. It sits with the fact that Christians are the subject of persecution in 50 countries, including all countries with a Muslim majority. And the one place in the Middle East where Christians are not persecuted is Israel. Your correspondent may well also think that the anti-Semitism of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is another issue that requires understanding.
Julian Lucas, Brighton, Vic
These letters appeared in The Australian.