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Government must end military exports to Israel
Monday 11 June 2007
Australia's multi million dollar military trade relationship with Israel must end, Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said today speaking at the international day of action to commemorate the 40 year military occupation of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza.
"The last thing the Israeli's need after 40 years of military occupation is more weapons and military hardware", Senator Nettle said.
"Instead of working to find a peaceful solution to the Palestine-Israeli conflict, the Australian Government has chosen the path of arming the occupiers.
"Australian-Israeli defence trade was valued at over $15 Million between January 2005 and October 2006 including:
$3.4 million in permanent exports
$12.5 million in repairs to military equipment.
"The Greens believe Australia should take the lead in diplomatic efforts to find a lasting peace and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis, instead of continuing to arm the Israelis." Senator Nettle said.
Questions asked by the Greens in the Senate have revealed that defence exports to Israel over the previous five years have averaged three million a year. The export of weapons and equipment have included military explosive devices, military electronic equipment, parts for military vehicles and aircraft and armoured equipment.
More information Kristian Bolwell: 0411638320
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon is the Greens NSW senate candidate for the 2010 federal election ... 