Page 28 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 1991
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recall what was called the battle in the water polo pool between the teams from Hungary and Russia. Once again the world allowed it to happen. The United Nations, set up to prevent such atrocities, was powerless to do anything.
Fortunately, in the case we are considering today, the nations of the world have united in their attempts to not allow such actions to go unchecked. I am sure that the incredible changes that have taken place in Europe over the last few years have played a major role in the ability of the United Nations finally to stand firm in the face of unprovoked aggression against a neighbour.
Accordingly, I believe that it is very appropriate for Australia to play a role in the implementation of resolution 678 of the Security Council. While this contribution is modest compared with that of the USA, the UK and some nations of the region which are directly affected by the actions of Saddam Hussein, it shows that Australia is prepared to continue its role in support of attempts to resolve the conflict. Some of you may or may not be aware of the fact that Australians have served recently in the region with United Nations forces. Colleagues of mine spent time on the border between Iran and Iraq, seeking to provide some stability to that area. As usual, they acquitted themselves well. I have no doubt that the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy, supported by members of the 16th Air Defence Regiment from Woodside in South Australia, also will carry out their duties in an exemplary manner.
In closing, let me make some brief reference to the future. I believe that many of the problems in the Middle East and the wars fought there since the end of the Second World War have resulted from a failure on the part of some colonial powers to keep their promises. For instance, when Palestine was partitioned and the state of Israel eventually formed, it was the Palestinian people who unfortunately found themselves on the short end of the stick. Many of the problems in countries like Lebanon and Jordan stem from the tensions created by those unfulfilled promises.
Frankly, it is high time that attempts to establish lasting peace in the region went beyond high-sounding words. Past failures to honour promises have created the sorts of inequities and denial of social justice that, throughout history, have led to conflict not only in this region but throughout the world. It is my firm view that when this present conflict is over a concentrated effort must be made to redress the terrible wrongs that have been wrought on some of the people of the region. With the encouragement of the superpowers and the United Nations, this process should be a high priority for all nations of the Middle East.
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