Australia orders Israel spy chief to leave in Australia’s “national security interest” |
First 7 of 7 paragraphs shown Stephen Smith ALP member for Perth, Minister for Foreign Affairs said 24 May 2010 “After careful deliberation, the government has asked that a member of the Israeli Embassy in Canberra be withdrawn from Australia”. 7 days to leave the country: ‘I have asked that the withdrawal be effected within the week. Earlier this morning, at my request, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade called in the Israeli Charge dAffaires. Ambassador phones home: Israeli Ambassador Rotem was overseas. We were nice to you: Smith said “The department conveyed the governments deep disappointment over Israeli involvement in this affair. The department made it clear that Australia regarded the abuse of these passports as inconsistent with the friendship and support provided by successive Australian governments to Israel since its creation as a nation. We don’t trust you any more: “ Australia’s relationship with Israel has always been founded on a basis of mutual respect and trust. But Israels actions in this regard have undermined that respect and trust. More in sorrow than anger: “The government takes this step much more in sorrow than in anger or retaliation. It is a decision taken in our national security interests. The government has done so in accordance with the findings of the investigation and after a careful assessment of Australias national interests by relevant agencies”. ...Log in to read rest of Article or image. |