Debris of Al-Sharouk tower after being hit by an Israeli air strike. (Photo by Nidal Alwaheidi/SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
Human rights groups and Palestinian organisations have slammed the federal government’s attempts to strengthen trade ties with Israel as deadly violence escalates in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan has expressed intent to ink a free trade agreement with Israel by July and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is conducting a feasibility study into strengthening ties between the two countries.
In a submission to DFAT’s feasibility study, coordinated by the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ), several human rights groups attacked attempts to strengthen trade with Israel, warning that this was happening in a context where “subjugation” of the Palestinian people was becoming more entrenched.
LONDON: Human rights groups from Australia and Palestine have urged Australia’s federal government to rethink a potential trade agreement with Israel, citing the ongoing violent situation in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Australia is considering strengthening its economic relations with Israel through a Free Trade Agreement that the federal government hopes would boost defence, cybersecurity and innovation.
Australia already imports over $1 billion of goods and services from Israel annually, while its exports to the country are in excess of $340 million.
But citing the deteriorating situation in Gaza and Jerusalem, the Australian Centre for International Justice and the Palestinian Human Rights Organizations Council have urged the Australian government to halt considerations of expanded trade with Israel and condemn its actions against Palestinians.
Adani Ports could abandon Myanmar project if found to violate U.S. sanctions
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSE.NS) said on Tuesday it could abandon a Myanmar container terminal project and write down the investment if it is found to be in violation of sanctions imposed by the United States.
“In a scenario wherein Myanmar is classified as a sanctioned country under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), or if OFAC opines that the project violates the current sanctions, (Adani Ports) plans to abandon the project and write down the investments,” the company said in a filing to exchanges on Tuesday.
Adani Ports could abandon Myanmar project if found to violate U S sanctions marketscreener.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from marketscreener.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.