Rudd backs 'negotiated' two-state solution

23 Sep 2011, 2:19 pm   -   Source: SBS
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Rudd met Palestinian Authority President Abbas on the sidelines of the UN. (AAP)

Rudd met Palestinian Authority President Abbas on the sidelines of the UN. (AAP)

Palestinian leaders at the bid for statehood have told SBS correspondent Brian Thomson they're pleased with Australia's stance on the matter.

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Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki has told SBS correspondent Brian Thomson that he's encouraged by changes in Australia's stance on Palestinian statehood and relations with Israel.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd announced that Australia is committed to a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

He did not rule out that Australia may back a Palestinian bid for enhanced status at the United Nations General Assembly, which would allow them access to instrruments that could prosecute Israel despite not being a full member of the UN.

Australia has always been a staunch friend of Israel, but at a press conference in New York, Mr Rudd implied a 'middle road' was the most suitable for a nation that is home to large Palestinian and other Arab communities, as well as a large Jewish community.

Rudd surprises Palestinians at UN (mp3)

Addressing the UN General Assembly, he said the key issues between the parties must be resolved through negotiations in order to gain a lasting settlement on the basis of the 1967 borders.

But Mr Rudd did not comment on where Australia stands should it be requested to vote on a Palestinian bid for enhanced UN membership for the Palestinians.

He has in the past said he would like Australia to choose to abstain, but told the General Assembly that Australia awaits the outcome of the current UN meetings 'before framing our response.'

Mr Rudd had earlier in the day met Palestinian Authority President Abbas on the sidelines of the UN, and told the Assembly that as a 'friend' of both Israel and the Palestinian people, Australia urges both parties to 'seize the day.'

Earlier in the week, Prime Minsiter Julia Gillard told parliament that Australia wanted to see the details of any Palestinian bid, but is widely regarded as not being in favour of a unilateral Palestinian declaration.

In a press conference after the vote, Mr Rudd said he feared a spiralling of violence unless negotiation was resumed, adding that it was a big issue for Australia.

'We in Australia take these matters seriously because we have Jewish and Palestinian and broader Arab communities in our country.'

He said that once a two-state soluton was reached - via negotiation - the region could focus on the real threat - Iran.

But he said he could not speculate on how Australia would vote until the details are known.

Mr Rudd also spent time addressing the global economy and globalisation.

'The challenges we face are increasingly global, while the institutions are national', Mr Rudd said, calling for increased cooperation.

'The answers may lie abroad, but all the votes lie at home.'

Taxpayers shouldn't be asked to bail out financial institutions any more, and currencies must be addressed, he said - in particular the Chinese Yuan must appreciate appropriately.

'What happens in Asia now matters not just for Asia itself, but the world', Mr Rudd said, after delivering a rebuke of North Korea.

He siad freedom is the right of all people, not just the few, adding that Australia backs the Libyan, Egyptian and Tunisian people, and called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

Focusing on developing the standard of living for the world's most disadvantaged people, Mr Rudd said the world must take more notice of its indigenous populations, adding that Australia is committed to 'closing the gap'.

Mr Rudd also said climate change will not go away by 'putting our heads in the sand.'

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Your Comments

Just do what is right.

Christopher - from Melbourne, 8 months ago

This sounds like a typical Australian cop out to me. What Israel is doing is land grabbing terrorism, It's not their land and they have been closing off more land from Palestinians for decades, with the help of America of course. I know that in any country the Jewish community have great power but why not just for once can't Australia just grow some balls and do what is right. Tibet needed our help but we didn't want to hurt trade with china, same thing is happening once again. This is a farce.

What an embarrassment Rudd

Mick - from Brisbane, 8 months ago

I just love it about politicians that when you vote them in power, they instantly become experts on middle east policy, thinking they hold all the keys to peace... Rudd if you want peace for the region then why are you shaking hands with the terrorist that continue to help Hamas in sending rockets daily into Israel. But that's right it Israel that should be sued. I would like to let Kevin know that not all Australians would back a UN bid for Palestinian statehood, the only way to peace is for the Palestinian Government to dis-arm Hamas and the other terrorist factions in the Judea and Samaria (it historical name) and Gaza, and sit down to true negotiations that does not leave Israel exposed to terrorist, build on trust and friendship . The 1967 borders are not borders but cease fire lines Mr Rudd, it sounds like you got your script from the dummy guides for globalization and forming a new world order, the one written by your Fabian mates. It also a joke to think that the Palestinian Government would assist Israel in bring down Iran, when the new rockets being fired at Israel come from Iran, they are in it together to wide Israel off the map... Also Rudd preaching how to achieve globalization, is we need to loose our nationalization, in other words out sovereignty, and be governed by the globalists. It was touching when he spoke of freedom of the Egypt and Libyan people, and they need democracy as we all, but they are not free and if Rudd had if done his home work he would have seen the Moslem Brotherhood and Iran's hands all over these incidents and the Arab Spring, now Arab Summer, to push for a large islamic state in the middle east to wide out Israel from the region. There is more in this interview to discuss, because Rudd has just shown is Fabian Socialist hand and was signaling his comrades the new world order plan is still on track .....

Fair is fair

Joe - from Sydney, 8 months ago

Fair is fair, the plight of the Palestinian people has to end. All countries in Isreal's pocket has to step out at once so no one country misses it's pay day cheque!!!

Gillard on the wrong side of history

David - from Perth, 8 months ago

Our self elected prime minister must stop her toadying to Israel and support the Palestinians right to regain their stolen land

Sort our own probs out first

Stevo - from Townsville, 8 months ago

No faith at all in anything this pathetic government is stumbling through. 7 year olds blame other 7 year olds for their own stuff ups, sort your crap out Gillard. And Brown, you are a menace to our country. Look after our pensioners first, not these boat people freeloaders. Their journey started where? They dont want to stay in Indonesia? Why not? Cos Gillard has no ideas on Border Control. By Election. Now.

Profoundly dumb

Michael - from Ballarat, 8 months ago

Mr Rudd clearly is only favouring a two-state solution because he is either self serving in his bid to get a UN position, or actually believes that the Palestinians will allow a peaceful outcome. Do not forget that Israel has offered a two-state solution but it was rejected by the Palestinians. The conditions that Israel placed were that no military until they show that they can be peaceful neighbours. Reasonable really, but completely rejected by the Palestinians.

Stupidity.

kevin - from Armidale, 8 months ago

I have always found it ridiculous that Israel was formed from Palestinian land on the basis of the myths of the old testament. The Palestinians have been robbed blind in an attempt to make up to the Jews for the neglect of the Nazi repression.

Welll done Kev

Mona - from Australia, 8 months ago

Just maybe, just maybe, Rudd is a pretty good foreign minister for Australia, a great ambassador, so no need at all to change that status quo, I wonder, do the liberals even have a shadow foreign minister? not much rhetoric there, so they must be pretty happy too with Ruddy boy.

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