For Immediate Release
15/11/2017
The Hon. Julia Bishop
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs;

Dear Minister,

The United Australian Lebanese Movement (UALM) implores you with the greatest of urgency to call for the freedom of movement for the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hon Saad Hariri and his family.

As an Australian Lebanese public affairs group present in most capital cities and States, we are supporting the initiative of the Lebanese President and Foreign Minister, who are asking the international community to intervene to secure the freedom of movement for the Lebanese Prime Minister.

We have serious concerns for the safety of the Prime Minister and his family and fear that he and his family are being held against their will. It is unprecedented that a Prime Minister of a sovereign nation be held by another country against his will and the will of his people.

We implore you as Australians of Lebanese decent to take this position in the interests of the strong bonds between Australia and Lebanon. Not just from a humanitarian perspective, and not just from the perspective of responsible governance seeking to defuse a tense situation in a region filled with Australia’s partners and interests; but also from an international legal perspective, whereby the sovereignty of nations is guaranteed in the United Nations Charter.

Best regards

Robert Bekhazi
Spokesperson
United Australian Lebanese Movement