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Down Under
Australian PM Supports Israels response
2006-07-16
Prime Minister John Howard has blamed Hezbollah for starting the current crisis between Lebanon and Israel, saying the group provoked the Jewish state into "self-defence" by going across the border and seizing soldiers.

Speaking on the ABC's Insiders program, Mr Howard echoed comments by the US President George W Bush, who said the violence started because Hezbollah kidnapped two soldiers. "You could hardly have had a more provocative act," said Mr Howard.
Attaboy John, point that out to the world, some parts of Europe have trouble understanding that.
He says Hezbollah is the "plaything of Syria", and that he understands the Israeli position. "Much as I deplore the violence ... one has to understand Israel's position, Israel has the right of self-defence," he said. "This country has been under constant attack for almost 50 years, since it was founded, and there is still an unwillingness on the part of many in the region to accept Israel's right to exist.

"Until there is unconditional acceptance, and also an unconditional acceptance by others of the need for a Palestinian state, separate to Israel of course, we're never going to have any lasting settlement."
Posted by:Oztralian

#5  all he needs to do is ask "what would the Aussies demand he do if Indo troops kidnapped (and killed) Aussie troops and took them back to Indonesia as hostages...."
Posted by: Frank G   2006-07-16 10:03  

#4  Domestically he is under a lame kind of leadership challenge from Peter Costello (treasurer) he will defeat it.

Elections every 3 years for the house of representatives (the government). senate ratifies legislation made by the lower house (of representatives). They are on a different voting timetable.

Next election for Howard to contest must be called no later than November 2007.

Don't think any limit on his rule if he wins again he can serve again. Not sure, never thought about it!
Posted by: Anon1   2006-07-16 09:29  

#3  Do you have term limits downunder? He's been in almost 10 years. That's about time for internal rot and scandals. How's he doing domestically?
Posted by: Nimble Spemble   2006-07-16 08:12  

#2  Good for you, John.

BTW, John Howard is personally very popular in Oz.
Posted by: phil_b   2006-07-16 03:57  

#1  I support his comments but they'll be largely unpopular in an Australia well-infiltrated by left wing hate-Israel culture and hizballah rampant in Sydney's southwest
Posted by: Anon1   2006-07-16 02:45  

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