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Wednesday, 13 May 1981
Page: 2294


Mr DOBIE —I refer the Minister for Foreign Affairs to reports in this morning's media that tensions are growing at an alarming and urgent rate between the government of Israel's Prime Minister Begin and Syria's President Hafez Assad. I ask the Minister whether he is in a position to advise the House as to what actions he has taken to ascertain the true position and how it will affect Australia's interests in the Middle East. In view of the concern shown by the Government at the outbreak of the Iraqi-Iranian war, can we anticipate a statement to the House on the subject of difficulties which could arise not only for the war battered people of Lebanon but also because of 'the strategic wall of Syrian-Soviet friendship and co-operation' for the well-being of the whole area of the Middle East?


Mr STREET —I am sure that all members of this House will be concerned about the increase in tension in Lebanon particularly as a result of conflict between Syria and Israel. The subject of the unhappy recent experiences of the country of Lebanon were recently a matter of comment in this House. So far as the most recent events in that country are concerned, the Australian Government has asked the Australian mission in the United Nations to convey to the Secretary-General of the United Nations our great concern at the potentially explosive situation which is developing there and which could affect not only the stability of the region but also stability throughout the world. We have asked our mission to make clear to the President of the Security Council our concern and to urge on all parties involved the need for commonsense and restraint at this particularly difficult time. We have further said that any initiatives which the President of the Security Council feels he can take in this respect would have our support. I understand that there is little or no prospect at the moment of a United Nations peacekeeping force being introduced to cover the whole of Lebanon because such a force would require a request from the Lebanese Government as well as a resolution from the Security Council of the United Nations. In respect of that possible development and others in the area, the Government is watching the matter closely and will take what opportunities it can to reduce tensions in the area.