Posted on 03/25/2003 7:21:06 PM PST by smpc
Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalon has paid tribute to the role Australian Special Air Services (SAS) troops are playing in eliminating the risk of an Iraqi Scud missile attack on his country.
Mr Shalom has phoned Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to personally express his gratitude.
A statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the action of Australian Defence Forces was aimed at eliminating the risk of Scuds from western Iraq.
During the last Gulf War in 1991, 39 missiles were fired at Israel leaving two people dead and hundreds injured.
Since the current attack on Iraq has begun, the country's 6 million people have been told to seal their homes against a chemical or biological weapons attacks and to carry their gas masks at all times but no missile has been launched at Israel.
During their phone conversation, Mr Shalon and Mr Downer discussed the appointment of the first Palestinian Prime Minister, Abu Mazen.
Israel has welcomed that appointment as a positive step while it waits to see what measures he will take in the fight against terrorism and the incitement of hatred.
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