I condemn unreservedly yesterdayís terrible suicide bombing in
Megiddo, Israel. The Australian Government offers its heartfelt
condolences to the families of the victims.
Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Clearly
there can be no progress towards peace as long as such organisations
continue to mount terrorist attacks.
I have commented before that such terrorist acts often follow soon
after promising signs of progress in peace initiatives.ÝÝ
The Palestinian leadership has also condemned the bombing. I am
pleased that Palestinian security chiefs are working with the Director
of the CIA to make Palestinian security agencies more effective.
I urge Chairman Arafat to back these agenciesí efforts to fight
terrorism.
Despite this latest attack, the outline of a resolution to the
conflict is clear - two states, Israel and Palestine, living side
by side in peace and security. It falls to the leaders of Israel
and the Palestinian Authority, and on all countries in the region,
to accept, as the Saudi Arabians have, that this is the solution.
All parties need to encourage developments towards that goal.
I am disturbed that some Governments are supporting terrorist organisations. Islamic Jihad is clearly not interested in achieving real progress
for the Palestinian people, nor does it represent their hopes and
aspirations.
Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / Julie
McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555
