Media Release: Australia must not follow Trump over a cliff on Jerusalem

Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), 6 December 2017

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network condemns Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem and calls on Julie Bishop to confirm Australia’s Embassy will stay in Tel Aviv...

“Trumps announcement throws a match into the tinder-box of Palestinian frustration” said Bishop George Browning, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network “Trump’s decision is a unilateral move of interference that shows complete disregard for the foundations of peace negotiations.”

Read full APAN release here >>

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Jerusalem: Foreign Minister must join condemnations of US Embassy move

Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), 7 December 2017

“Australia must join condemnations of Trump’s provocative move of its embassy to Jerusalem” said Bishop George Browning, the President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network “If the Foreign Minister refuses to join condemnations, then any talk of supporting the two-state solution is just empty rhetoric”.

Trump’s move has been condemned around the world – throughout the Middle East, Europe, China and even by Pope Francis.  “As America’s close ally, Australia’s silence makes it complicit in Trump’s undermining of peace negotiations” continued Bishop Browning.

“This is a one-sided and unilateral move by Trump” said Bishop Browning “If the US is going to  recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, then it must simultaneously recognise East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine”.

“APAN is relieved that the Foreign Minister has ruled out moving Australia’s Embassy, but we cannot be neutral when Trump is overthrowing the basis of all peace negotiations”.

“Opinion Polls consistently show Australians want our Government to actively support Palestinian independence” continued Bishop Browning.  “Australia must condemn unilateral moves that undermine prospects of a just and lasting peace”.

Read full APAN release here >>

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AFOPA is a member of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN).