Posted on 09/18/2003 9:28:27 AM PDT by knighthawk
Federal Treasurer Peter Costello, in Israel for a second day, says Australia is more aware than ever of the need for stability in the Middle East.
He has told the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce that the two countries share a common outlook in wanting to end the scourge of terrorism.
Introduced by his Israeli host as the next prime minister of Australia, Mr Costello told business people that terror had been an academic issue for Australians until the Bali bombing nearly one year ago.
He said September 11 and Bali demonstrated graphically that terrorism around the world could have an effect on Australia's domestic security.
In a speech partially read for the Treasurer, who was losing his voice, he said Australia was a strong supporter of Israel.
He urged both Israelis and Palestinians not to abandon the peace plan known as the road map.
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