Australia has played an important role in UN peacekeeping operations in
the Middle East for some time and its defense ministers regularly visited
the region to inspect their forces stationed in Cyprus, in Sinai and as
part of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Mr. Ray's visit
to Israel allowed him to re-acquaint himself with the country after an
absence of 12 years and to be briefed by Mr. Rabin, in his capacity as
defense minister, on regional developments. Text of the Defense Ministry's
communique follows:
Australian Defense Minister Robert Ray arrived on an official visit to
Israel yesterday (Sunday), 23.4.95 and was received by an honor guard -
the IDF's new Ceremonial unit - at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. Prime
Minister and Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin briefed Ray on political
developments in the Middle East, including the Israel-Jordan peace treaty,
the negotiations with the Palestinians and the talks with Syria.
Rabin pointed to terrorism as the main obstacle to progress in the
political process. He and Ray discussed the terrorist attacks in Oklahoma
City and Tokyo, agreeing that they represent a serious and threatening
phenomenon.
Rabin expressed Israel's appreciation for Australia's participation in
both the Sinai Multinational Force, currently commanded by an Australian
and UNTSO. He also expressed his hope that Ray's visit would constitute a
milestone in relations between the two countries.
Touching on Australia's involvement in fighting the Nazis during World
War II, Rabin said: The Australian soldiers who fought against Rommel's
armies in the Western desert during the Second World War have a warm spot
reserved for them in the hearts of my generation."
The Australian Defense Minister noted that he had visited Israel for the
first time 12 years ago and that he intends to examine the changes which
have occurred in the country since then - while focusing on the
capabilities of Israel's defense industries.
During his visit, Ray will visit IDF bases and defense industries and
participate in the dedication of a monument at the Australian soldiers'
cemetery in Be'er Sheva. He will also attend the main Holocaust Heroes and
Martyrs Remembrance Day ceremony at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.