22 August 1995

AUSTRALIA CONDEMNS JERUSALEM SUICIDE BOMBING

The Australian Government condemns unreservedly the latest suicide bomb attack on a bus in Jerusalem on 21 August, which killed at least six people and wounded a further 80 to 100 people, some of them seriously.

The continuing violence by extremists on both sides opposed to the implementation of the Israel/PLO peace deal - including the bombing in Jerusalem, and the earlier bombing in Tel Aviv last July - is a tragic reminder of the despicable depths to which terrorists sink in pursuit of their objectives.

The Government welcomes Chairman Arafat's condemnation of the terrorist bombing and the re-affirmation by the Israeli Government of its commitment to the overall peace process. We also reiterate our strong support for the peace process. The present efforts for a negotiated settlement must continue despite these outrageous acts of violence because there is no acceptable, practical alternative to negotiation.

CANBERRA