CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pic) said on Monday (Aug 25) that his government will continue to be a "strong advocate" for a two-state solution in the Middle East on the global stage, reported Xinhua.
In an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Albanese said Australia would continue to use its voice in international forums to firmly support a two-state solution, which would enable Palestine and Israel to live "side-by-side in peace and security".
"We have consistently urged the Israeli government directly, and through our votes in international forums, to allow aid into Gaza. We have also consistently called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas," he said.
Earlier in August, the prime minister announced that Australia will join Canada, France, and Britain in September in formally recognising Palestinian statehood during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Asked on Monday if he had raised Palestinian recognition with the governments of neighbouring countries in the Pacific, including New Zealand, Albanese said that they would make their own decisions as sovereign states.
"Australia will make its own decisions without concern for anything other than national interest and for doing the right thing," he said.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of Australians joined over 40 pro-Palestine demonstrations in cities and towns nationwide, demanding an end to Australia’s arms trade with Israel and to the famine in Gaza. - Bernama-Xinhua
