AS POSTED HERE ... Diplomat expelled to win Arab favour: Bishop - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The Federal Opposition has accused the Government of expelling an Israeli diplomat as a means to win Arab support for an Australian seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith today announced the expulsion after investigations left the Government in "no doubt" Israel had faked Australian passports used in a hit on a top Hamas leader in Dubai.
But Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop says there is no hard proof Israel is behind the duplicated passports.
"In the absence of proof, it would be appropriate to reprimand, appropriate to chastise the Israeli government," she told Sky News.
"There is a widely held view, there is an assumption that the Israeli government was involved, but there is no actual proof."
Ms Bishop, the Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman, says expelling a diplomat is either an over-reaction or a calculated political decision.
"The Government is facing an election. The Government is also seeking to pursue a seat on the Security Council. The Government is keen to curry favour within the Arab community," she said.
Ms Bishop, however, denied suggestions the Opposition's position would help it shore up support from Australia's Jewish community.
In February several forged Australian passports were used in the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.
Mr Smith confirmed investigations by Australian Federal Police, ASIO and ASIS showed Israel fabricated the passports of four Australians who also had Israeli nationality.
He has rejected accusations the decision to expel an Israeli diplomat was politically driven.
Mr Smith says the Government has conducted its own investigation and acted on carefully constructed advice.
"If all we were doing as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition asserts, being political, we wouldn't have taken such time giving it careful consideration," he said.
"The high quality of these counterfeited passports points to involvement of a state intelligence service," he said.
"These investigations and advice have left the Australian Government in no doubt that Israel was responsible for the abuse and counterfeiting of these passports.
"The Government takes this step much more in sorrow than anger or retaliation.
"This is not what we expect from a nation with whom we have had such a close, friendly and supportive relationship."
Regrettable decision
A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry, Yigal Palmor, says it is a regrettable decision.
"We regret this step by the Australian Government," he said.
"It does not reflect the importance and the quality of our relationships."
Israel has maintained there is no proof it was behind the assassination.
Meanwhile retired Liberal MP and former foreign minister, Alexander Downer, says it is "pretty obvious" why the Government made the decision to expel the diplomat.
"In an effort to try to beat Finland and Luxembourg, the Australian Government is going out of its way to ingratiate itself to other countries in the Middle East, to build up its credentials with the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Middle Eastern countries," he said.
"So this is a good way of doing it. That's what's driven this. It's not a point of principle.
"Israel is not the only country that engages in this sort of behaviour, frankly, so it's a bit rich to single out Israel."
Nicole McCabe, Joshua Bruce, Adam Korman and Joshua Krycer have been named as the Australians whose passports were forged. All four live in Israel.
Mr Smith says replacement passports have been issued and consular assistance is still being provided to the four Australians.
public news and things I spy ..
Monday 24 May 2010
Abuse of Australian Passports - Statement to the House of Representatives, 24 May 2010 - Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
AS POSTED HERE ... Abuse of Australian Passports - Statement to the House of Representatives, 24 May 2010 - Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
Statement to the House of Representatives (check against delivery)
24 May 2010
Mr Speaker
On 25 February, I advised the House of the suspected fraudulent use of a number of Australian passports in connection with the murder of senior Hamas figure Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh.
I now advise the House of the Government's response to this matter.
First it is worth recalling the circumstances in which this came to the Government's attention and our response to date.
On 20 January, Mr Al-Mabhouh was found murdered in a hotel room in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
On 16 February, police in Dubai announced that falsified passports from the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany had been used in connection with the murder.
Late on 22 February, Dubai authorities approached Australian officials with an inquiry about two Australian passports.
The following day, 23 February, Dubai authorities confirmed to Australian officials that they were investigating a number of Australian passports in connection with the murder.
Since that time, Dubai authorities have announced that they are investigating four Australian passports in connection with the murder.
Those four Australian passports are in the names of: Mr Adam Korman, Mr Joshua Bruce, Ms Nicole McCabe, and Mr Joshua Krycer.
From the first contact on 22 February, Australian authorities have cooperated fully with Dubai investigators.
On 25 February, I expressed to the House my concern that these Australian passports had been used fraudulently.
Both the Prime Minister and I condemned in the strongest possible terms this apparent misuse and abuse of Australian passports.
On 25 February, I also announced that the Australian Federal Police, in conjunction with relevant agencies, had been asked to investigate the possible abuse of these passports.
These agencies included the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and the Australian Passport Office.
On 9 April, I received the Australian Federal Police report.
Upon a preliminary assessment of that report, it was clear that further work and advice was required from other agencies, in particular ASIO and ASIS.
I made this known publicly on 11 April.
This further work included a visit to Israel this month by the Director General of ASIO.
I received my final advice from agencies last week.
I briefed the National Security Committee of the Cabinet this morning and have taken steps to ensure that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs has been briefed.
This advice leads to the following key conclusions:
Firstly, and very importantly, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that those Australian passport holders identified by Dubai authorities were anything other than innocent victims of identity theft;
Secondly, the passports in question were deliberately counterfeited and cloned for use. The high quality of these counterfeited passports points to the involvement of a State intelligence service;
Thirdly, these investigations and advice have left the Government in no doubt that Israel was responsible for the abuse and counterfeiting of these passports.
I note that a similar conclusion was reached by the United Kingdom Government in the course of their official investigations.
No Government can tolerate the abuse of its passports, especially by a foreign Government.
This represents a clear affront to the security of our passport system.
Nor can we tolerate the abuse by a foreign Government of the personal details of the Australian nationals concerned.
These are not the actions of a friend.
I regret to advise the House that this is not the first occasion that Australian passports have been misused by Israeli authorities.
The Dubai passports incident also constitutes a clear and direct breach of confidential understandings between Australia and Israel dating back some years.
This is not what we expect from a nation with whom we have had such a close, friendly and supportive relationship.
After careful deliberation, the Government has asked that a member of the Israeli Embassy in Canberra be withdrawn from Australia. I have asked that the withdrawal be effected within the week.
Earlier this morning, at my request, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade called in the Israeli Charge d'Affaires. Israeli Ambassador Rotem, whom I called in on 25 February, is absent from Australia until 8 June. If Ambassador Rotem had been in Australia, I would have again spoken to him myself.
The Department conveyed the Government's deep disappointment over Israeli involvement in this affair.
The Department made it clear that Australia regarded the abuse of these passports as inconsistent with the friendship and support provided by successive Australian Governments to Israel since its creation as a nation.
Australia's relationship with Israel has always been founded on a basis of mutual respect and trust.
But Israel's actions in this regard have undermined that respect and trust.
The Government takes this step much more in sorrow than in anger or retaliation.
It is a decision taken in our national security interests.
The Government has done so in accordance with the findings of the investigation and after a careful assessment of Australia's national interests by relevant agencies.
The Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will continue to provide consular assistance on an as needs basis to those Australians whose identities were stolen and who were therefore adversely affected by Israel's actions.
We have already, on request, replaced the passports of a number of those involved.
I convey publicly a final point made to the Israeli Charge d'Affaires by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
Insofar as the Australia-Israel bilateral relationship is concerned, our expectation is that our relationship with Israel can and will continue in a mutually productive and beneficial manner.
Australia's support for the State of Israel goes back to its creation.
Australia's support for the State of Israel has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
We have always shared a relationship reflecting our joint commitment to freedom, security and democracy.
Australia remains a firm friend of Israel.
But, as I noted previously, our relationship must be conducted on the basis of mutual trust and respect.
Genuine friendship runs both ways.
We expect this and future Israeli Governments to ensure that this incident is not repeated.
We now look forward to working to restore the highest standards of trust in our relationship with Israel.
I thank the House.
Media inquiries
Foreign Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555
Statement to the House of Representatives (check against delivery)
24 May 2010
Mr Speaker
On 25 February, I advised the House of the suspected fraudulent use of a number of Australian passports in connection with the murder of senior Hamas figure Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh.
I now advise the House of the Government's response to this matter.
First it is worth recalling the circumstances in which this came to the Government's attention and our response to date.
On 20 January, Mr Al-Mabhouh was found murdered in a hotel room in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
On 16 February, police in Dubai announced that falsified passports from the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany had been used in connection with the murder.
Late on 22 February, Dubai authorities approached Australian officials with an inquiry about two Australian passports.
The following day, 23 February, Dubai authorities confirmed to Australian officials that they were investigating a number of Australian passports in connection with the murder.
Since that time, Dubai authorities have announced that they are investigating four Australian passports in connection with the murder.
Those four Australian passports are in the names of: Mr Adam Korman, Mr Joshua Bruce, Ms Nicole McCabe, and Mr Joshua Krycer.
From the first contact on 22 February, Australian authorities have cooperated fully with Dubai investigators.
On 25 February, I expressed to the House my concern that these Australian passports had been used fraudulently.
Both the Prime Minister and I condemned in the strongest possible terms this apparent misuse and abuse of Australian passports.
On 25 February, I also announced that the Australian Federal Police, in conjunction with relevant agencies, had been asked to investigate the possible abuse of these passports.
These agencies included the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and the Australian Passport Office.
On 9 April, I received the Australian Federal Police report.
Upon a preliminary assessment of that report, it was clear that further work and advice was required from other agencies, in particular ASIO and ASIS.
I made this known publicly on 11 April.
This further work included a visit to Israel this month by the Director General of ASIO.
I received my final advice from agencies last week.
I briefed the National Security Committee of the Cabinet this morning and have taken steps to ensure that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs has been briefed.
This advice leads to the following key conclusions:
Firstly, and very importantly, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that those Australian passport holders identified by Dubai authorities were anything other than innocent victims of identity theft;
Secondly, the passports in question were deliberately counterfeited and cloned for use. The high quality of these counterfeited passports points to the involvement of a State intelligence service;
Thirdly, these investigations and advice have left the Government in no doubt that Israel was responsible for the abuse and counterfeiting of these passports.
I note that a similar conclusion was reached by the United Kingdom Government in the course of their official investigations.
No Government can tolerate the abuse of its passports, especially by a foreign Government.
This represents a clear affront to the security of our passport system.
Nor can we tolerate the abuse by a foreign Government of the personal details of the Australian nationals concerned.
These are not the actions of a friend.
I regret to advise the House that this is not the first occasion that Australian passports have been misused by Israeli authorities.
The Dubai passports incident also constitutes a clear and direct breach of confidential understandings between Australia and Israel dating back some years.
This is not what we expect from a nation with whom we have had such a close, friendly and supportive relationship.
After careful deliberation, the Government has asked that a member of the Israeli Embassy in Canberra be withdrawn from Australia. I have asked that the withdrawal be effected within the week.
Earlier this morning, at my request, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade called in the Israeli Charge d'Affaires. Israeli Ambassador Rotem, whom I called in on 25 February, is absent from Australia until 8 June. If Ambassador Rotem had been in Australia, I would have again spoken to him myself.
The Department conveyed the Government's deep disappointment over Israeli involvement in this affair.
The Department made it clear that Australia regarded the abuse of these passports as inconsistent with the friendship and support provided by successive Australian Governments to Israel since its creation as a nation.
Australia's relationship with Israel has always been founded on a basis of mutual respect and trust.
But Israel's actions in this regard have undermined that respect and trust.
The Government takes this step much more in sorrow than in anger or retaliation.
It is a decision taken in our national security interests.
The Government has done so in accordance with the findings of the investigation and after a careful assessment of Australia's national interests by relevant agencies.
The Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will continue to provide consular assistance on an as needs basis to those Australians whose identities were stolen and who were therefore adversely affected by Israel's actions.
We have already, on request, replaced the passports of a number of those involved.
I convey publicly a final point made to the Israeli Charge d'Affaires by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
Insofar as the Australia-Israel bilateral relationship is concerned, our expectation is that our relationship with Israel can and will continue in a mutually productive and beneficial manner.
Australia's support for the State of Israel goes back to its creation.
Australia's support for the State of Israel has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
We have always shared a relationship reflecting our joint commitment to freedom, security and democracy.
Australia remains a firm friend of Israel.
But, as I noted previously, our relationship must be conducted on the basis of mutual trust and respect.
Genuine friendship runs both ways.
We expect this and future Israeli Governments to ensure that this incident is not repeated.
We now look forward to working to restore the highest standards of trust in our relationship with Israel.
I thank the House.
Media inquiries
Foreign Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555
Embassy official to be expelled | J-Wire
AS POSTED HERE ,,, Embassy official to be expelled | J-Wire
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has directed that a member of the Israeli Embassy be withdrawn from Australia within a week following the investigation of the Dubai passports affair.
Stephen Smith
He said: “The investigaion and advice have left the Government in no doubt that Israel was responsible for the abuse and counterfeiting of these passports,” adding “these are not the actions of a friend”
The Minister has told parliament that the Israeli Charge D’Affaires was summoned to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this morning.
Dubai authorities announced that four Australian passports had been used by those held responsible for the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmouhd al-Madbouh on January 20 this year.
The Minister told the House on February-25 that the passports “had been used fraudulently” and he condemned in the strongest terms possible the “misuse and abuse of Australian passports.” On the same day, the Australian Federal Police launched their investigation into the misuse of the passports. Others involved included ASIO [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, ASIS [the Australian Secret Intelligence Service] and the Australian Passport Office.
The Director-General of ASIO visited Israel earlier this month following the tabling of the initial report.
Smith, who received the further report last week, told Parliament: “I briefed the National Security Committee of the Cabinet this morning.” He also briefed the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He said the report made it clear that the passport holders identified by Dubai authorities “were no more tha innocent victims of identity fraud.”
He then made it clear the passports were “deliberately counterfeited and cloned for use” and that the high quality of the fake passports points to a State intelligence service.
In his announcement Foreign Minister Smith said that the Department made it clear that Australia regards the abuse of these passports as inconsistent with the friendship and support provided by successive Australian governments to Israel since its creation as a nation.
He said: Australia’s relationship with Israel has always been funded on a basis of mutual respect and trust.”
Smith said: “The Government takes this step much more in sorrow than in anger or retaliation. Australia’s support for Israel has long enjoyed bi-partisan support. Australia remains a firm friend for Israel. We expect this and future Israeli governments to ensure that this incident is not repeated.”
Ambassador Yuval Rotem and Deputy Chief of Mission Eli Yerushalami are both currently overeseas.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has directed that a member of the Israeli Embassy be withdrawn from Australia within a week following the investigation of the Dubai passports affair.
Stephen Smith
He said: “The investigaion and advice have left the Government in no doubt that Israel was responsible for the abuse and counterfeiting of these passports,” adding “these are not the actions of a friend”
The Minister has told parliament that the Israeli Charge D’Affaires was summoned to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this morning.
Dubai authorities announced that four Australian passports had been used by those held responsible for the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmouhd al-Madbouh on January 20 this year.
The Minister told the House on February-25 that the passports “had been used fraudulently” and he condemned in the strongest terms possible the “misuse and abuse of Australian passports.” On the same day, the Australian Federal Police launched their investigation into the misuse of the passports. Others involved included ASIO [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, ASIS [the Australian Secret Intelligence Service] and the Australian Passport Office.
The Director-General of ASIO visited Israel earlier this month following the tabling of the initial report.
Smith, who received the further report last week, told Parliament: “I briefed the National Security Committee of the Cabinet this morning.” He also briefed the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He said the report made it clear that the passport holders identified by Dubai authorities “were no more tha innocent victims of identity fraud.”
He then made it clear the passports were “deliberately counterfeited and cloned for use” and that the high quality of the fake passports points to a State intelligence service.
In his announcement Foreign Minister Smith said that the Department made it clear that Australia regards the abuse of these passports as inconsistent with the friendship and support provided by successive Australian governments to Israel since its creation as a nation.
He said: Australia’s relationship with Israel has always been funded on a basis of mutual respect and trust.”
Smith said: “The Government takes this step much more in sorrow than in anger or retaliation. Australia’s support for Israel has long enjoyed bi-partisan support. Australia remains a firm friend for Israel. We expect this and future Israeli governments to ensure that this incident is not repeated.”
Ambassador Yuval Rotem and Deputy Chief of Mission Eli Yerushalami are both currently overeseas.
'Spies' report back to Tehran on pro-democracy activists | The Australian
AS POSTED HERE 'Spies' report back to Tehran on pro-democracy activists | The Australian
ASIO and Queensland police are investigating complaints that agents of the Iranian regime connected to Tehran's embassy in Canberra have been harassing and spying on pro-democracy activists in Australia.
The group Queensland Supporters of Democracy for Iran, which staged a protest in Brisbane on Saturday, says at least four Iranian-Australians have been detained and interrogated during visits to Tehran in recent months as a result of their involvement in the pro-democracy movement in Australia.
About 80 QSDI members rallied in Brisbane's Queens Park to protest against the execution of five political dissidents in Tehran earlier this month. QSDI convenor Mehran Rafiei says the turnout was smaller than for previous events because of fears that pro-regime "spies" within the Iranian-Australian community were reporting back to Tehran.
"Many people in the Iranian community are scared to turn up," Mr Rafiei said.
RELATED COVERAGE
Facing up to Tehran's tyrants
The Australian, 7 hours ago
Web makes its big-screen presence felt
The Australian, 5 days ago
Court targets Iranian expats
The Australian, 8 Apr 2010
Students held on trips back to Iran
The Australian, 7 Apr 2010
Iranian embassy 'spying on activist students'
The Australian, 5 Apr 2010
"They rang me and told me: 'We're scared, we want to go to Iran and we don't want to be arrested.'
"I told them the best way was to turn out and protest, but they're scared -- it's a brutal regime."
One Iranian-Australian detained and interrogated in Tehran recently was shown photographs of himself attending an earlier rally in Brisbane and given a list of names that included the leaders of QSDI and other pro-democracy campaigners in Australia. The man was told their activities constituted the crime of "moharebeh", which means enmity against God and can carry the death penalty in Tehran. Mr Rafiei says his wife and daughter are now afraid to return to Tehran to visit his wife's mother.
The rally was held to protest against the execution in Tehran on May 9 of five political dissidents accused of "moharebeh" for their involvement in banned groups. Amnesty International says the five were denied fair trials; three had been tortured and two had confessed under duress.
The five included a woman, 28-year-old Shirin Alam Holi, who was accused of belonging to another group, The Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan.
In a letter from prison before her execution, she described being beaten on the soles of her feet, kicked in the stomach and force-fed through nasal tubes when she went on a hunger strike. She said she had made a confession after she was hospitalised and given an injection.
Amnesty International says the executions were a blatant attempt to intimidate dissidents in the lead-up to the first anniversary of last year's June elections, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed victory in a result believed to have been rigged. The anniversary on June 12 is expected to prompt a new wave of pro-democracy activity.
Amnesty International has recorded more than 80 executions in Iran so far this year.
ASIO and Queensland police are investigating complaints that agents of the Iranian regime connected to Tehran's embassy in Canberra have been harassing and spying on pro-democracy activists in Australia.
The group Queensland Supporters of Democracy for Iran, which staged a protest in Brisbane on Saturday, says at least four Iranian-Australians have been detained and interrogated during visits to Tehran in recent months as a result of their involvement in the pro-democracy movement in Australia.
About 80 QSDI members rallied in Brisbane's Queens Park to protest against the execution of five political dissidents in Tehran earlier this month. QSDI convenor Mehran Rafiei says the turnout was smaller than for previous events because of fears that pro-regime "spies" within the Iranian-Australian community were reporting back to Tehran.
"Many people in the Iranian community are scared to turn up," Mr Rafiei said.
RELATED COVERAGE
Facing up to Tehran's tyrants
The Australian, 7 hours ago
Web makes its big-screen presence felt
The Australian, 5 days ago
Court targets Iranian expats
The Australian, 8 Apr 2010
Students held on trips back to Iran
The Australian, 7 Apr 2010
Iranian embassy 'spying on activist students'
The Australian, 5 Apr 2010
"They rang me and told me: 'We're scared, we want to go to Iran and we don't want to be arrested.'
"I told them the best way was to turn out and protest, but they're scared -- it's a brutal regime."
One Iranian-Australian detained and interrogated in Tehran recently was shown photographs of himself attending an earlier rally in Brisbane and given a list of names that included the leaders of QSDI and other pro-democracy campaigners in Australia. The man was told their activities constituted the crime of "moharebeh", which means enmity against God and can carry the death penalty in Tehran. Mr Rafiei says his wife and daughter are now afraid to return to Tehran to visit his wife's mother.
The rally was held to protest against the execution in Tehran on May 9 of five political dissidents accused of "moharebeh" for their involvement in banned groups. Amnesty International says the five were denied fair trials; three had been tortured and two had confessed under duress.
The five included a woman, 28-year-old Shirin Alam Holi, who was accused of belonging to another group, The Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan.
In a letter from prison before her execution, she described being beaten on the soles of her feet, kicked in the stomach and force-fed through nasal tubes when she went on a hunger strike. She said she had made a confession after she was hospitalised and given an injection.
Amnesty International says the executions were a blatant attempt to intimidate dissidents in the lead-up to the first anniversary of last year's June elections, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed victory in a result believed to have been rigged. The anniversary on June 12 is expected to prompt a new wave of pro-democracy activity.
Amnesty International has recorded more than 80 executions in Iran so far this year.
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