Posted on 03/01/2005 11:53:17 PM PST by Red Sea Swimmer
Israeli president Moshe Katsav has personally thanked Prime Minister John Howard for Australia's efforts in the fight against terror, saying it was an example to the free world.
Continuing a tightly-packed schedule on his week-long visit, Mr Katsav had a lunchtime meeting with Mr Howard during his day in the national capital.
A spokesman for Mr Katsav described it as an extremely warm meeting between friends.
The president spent two hours with Mr Howard at The Lodge including a lunch, a meeting attended with advisers and a private 10-minute chat between the two leaders.
Mr Katsav's spokesman said the issue of the unexplained expulsion of Israeli diplomat Amir Laty was not raised but he could not say whether it may have been discussed during their private conversation.
Mr Katsav reiterated that relations between the two nations had moved past the expulsion of Mr Laty.
"The issue of Amir Laty is not an issue that causes an obstacle or damage to the warm relations between Australia and Israel," he told Sky News.
Mr Katsav thanked Australia for its contribution to combating terrorism.
"Australia unlike some other countries doesn't look for explanations why terror is being employed ... (it just realises that) terror is terror," Mr Katsav's spokesman said.
"The president told the prime minister that Australia has set an example to the free world in its fight against terrorism."
The two leaders discussed at length the issues of a peaceful resolution to the tensions between Israel and Palestine, as well as the growth of democracy through the Middle East.
Posing for official photographs ahead of the meeting, Mr Howard said Australia had been, and would always be, a very good friend to Israel.
"Israel, of course, has been a stand out democratic country in the Middle East," he said.
"It's a robust strong democracy and we are seeing at long last in the Middle East the possible spread of democracy to other countries, and that is wonderful thing."
Mr Katsav told Sky News he had great hopes for peace in the Middle East.
"We trust (Palestinian leader) Abu Mazan, I think he's an honest man," Mr Katsav said.
But he acknowledged that trust and honesty may not be enough.
"He must do as must do as much as possible for stopping ... the bloodshed of terrorism," Mr Katsav said.
Mr Katsav arrived in Canberra to an official welcome by Governor-General Michael Jeffrey and Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, complete with a 21-gun salute and ceremony by Australia's Federation Guard.
Later in the afternoon, Mr Katsav attended a reception with members of the Israeli community in Canberra at the Israeli embassy.
Security was tight outside the venue where earlier about 80 protesters had gathered, demanding a separate Palestinian state.
A police spokesman said the protest had been peaceful and the protesters had left before Mr Katsav was due to arrive at the embassy.
Mr Katsav was to attend an evening state dinner hosted by Major-General Jeffrey at Government House before flying to Melbourne.
Good luck to both Mr.Katsav and Mr.Howard.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.