ANNUAL REPORT- 2012
The year 2012 witnessed substantial developments on the legitimacy, efficiency, and capacity of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
These developments and achievements have been reaffirmed through numerous meetings with stakeholders who applauded the work of the Delegation and its accomplishments on the diplomatic and community levels.
STRENGTHENED RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE PACIFIC
In particular, 2012 was notable for the strengthening of mutual relations between the Palestinian National Authority and Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific states. This was demonstrated through increased political support for Palestinian self-determination and through direct practical and financial support for state-building process.
This political support has been evident through several indicators. Including Australia’s abstention from the vote on upgrading the status of Palestine as an observer non- member state in the United Nations General Assembly, a decision that represented a significant change from Australia’s previous voting pattern at the United Nations.
Moreover, increased political support has been evident through New Zealand’s position on the same issue, in which they voted in support of the Palestinian bid to upgrade Palestine’s status. It has also been evident through the votes submitted by the Republic of East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu in favour of the bid as well as the abstention of most of the Pacific states.
This year also witnessed a perceptible increase in Australian public support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state. Three separate public opinion polls conducted in the last 3 years revealed that more than two thirds of Australians support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination through the establishment of an independent state.
STRENGTHENING RELATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY AND ADVOCACY IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The General Delegation of Palestine has succeeded in establishing direct relations and effective and regular consultation process with the most important advocacy organisations working in support of the Palestinian struggle to establish an independent state.
PALESTINIAN COMMUNITY
Relations with the Palestinian community have also been strengthened through the direct involvement of the General Delegation in most of the activities of the community, and equally through the active contributions made by the community in support of the General Delegation. Through such activities, the Palestinian community in Australia and New Zealand have demonstrated increased commitment to promoting the Palestinian cause and to developing active and cohesive communities.
One particular example of the symbiotic relationship between the Palestinian community and the General Delegation has been the active participation of the latter in the project to establish the Palestinian Community Council as an organisation encompassing members of the community as well as various other bodies.
A further development in the arena of relations with civil society has been the significant strides made in the relationship between the General Delegation of Palestine and the Jewish community in Australia. This relationship has been built upon continual dialogue, mutual respect, and clear standards for future cooperation.
INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING OF THE DELEGATION
In addition to the developments detailed above, I must duly note the organisational and professional advancements that have taken place within the General Delegation itself especially within the consular affairs section and managerial and financial matters. The progress made in such areas has contributed greatly to the sustainability and efficiency of the General Delegation’s work and to its future growth.
Lastly, I would also like to sincerely thank all of the groups and persons mentioned herein who have offered their generous help and support to the General Delegation. I would equally like to thank the staff and volunteers at the General Delegation in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Our accomplishments would not have been realised without their commitment and professional dedication.
Ambassador
Izzat Abdulhadi
Head of the General Delegation of Palestine
to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
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