Statement from Marise Payne on ICC decision
FM: 'Australia does not recognise a ‘State of Palestine’, noting that matters relating to territory and borders can only be resolved through direct negotiations'.
“AUSTRALIA has deep concerns with the ruling of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court that it has jurisdiction in relation to the ‘Situation in Palestine’.
“Australia does not recognise a ‘State of Palestine’, noting that matters relating to territory and borders can only be resolved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
“We made clear in our observations submitted to the Pre-Trial Chamber that Australia does not therefore recognise the right of any so-called ‘State of Palestine’ to accede to the Rome Statute. The International Criminal Court should not exercise jurisdiction in this matter.”
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler roundly condemned the decision.
“This is a clear case of activism trumping common sense. It is yet more proof of the politicisation of the ICC, which undermines its raison d’être, and will lead to more Palestinian refusals to negotiate with Israel, and thus make peace more remote.”
He added, “The Morrison government has long taken a consistent and principled stand that Israel should not be singled out, and that only Israeli–Palestinian negotiations can engender peace.”
Full coverage in this week’s AJN.
The Australian Government is commended for calling out a blatant injustice in the ICC's ruling to accept the non-existent 'state of Palestine'. 1/2@MarisePayne @dfat @ScottMorrisonMP https://t.co/eAJwfeA1Tc
— AIJAC (@AIJAC_Update) February 6, 2021
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