MELBOURNE: A delegation representing 18 countries has lodged a formal protest over Australia’s decision to stop referring to Israeli settlements as ‘occupied territories’.
Rather, the Australian Government has decided to refer such settlements as ‘disputed terrorities’, a move which has been welcomed by some Jewsish organisations.
The Australian Associated Press reports that the move has triggered warnings from angry officials in Arab and Islamic countries of possible trade sanctions, if Australia does not reverse its position.
On Wednesday, a delegation of diplomatic officials, including representatives from Indonesia, Egypt and Turkey met senior Department of Foreign Affairs officials.
Malaysian High Commissioner Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad told Bernama he was unable to attend because of a previous commitment, but conveyed to the delegation it had Malaysia’s full support over the issue. — Bernama