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Terms of reference
On 8 February 2000 the Minister for Foreign Affairs referred the following matter to the Committee:
To inquire into and report on Australia's relations with Middle East nations and the Gulf states, with particular reference to:
- Opportunities and impediments to expanding Australia's trade relationship with the Middle East and the Gulf states;
- Australia's contribution to the Middle East peace process, and the prospects for resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict;
- The role of the United Nations, and Australia's involvement, in promoting regional stability for the Middle East and the Gulf states, including consideration of the United Nations weapons inspection program and the impact on Iraq of internationally-applied sanctions;
- Australia's defence relationship with the Middle East and the Gulf regions, and the scope for promoting Australia's strategic interests;
- The impact of destabilising influences in the region including the potential production of weapons of mass destruction.
- Progress on the adoption of human rights principles in the region; and
- Social and cultural linkages, given the levels of migration to Australia from the Middle East and some Gulf states and with particular reference to the Australian aid program towards the Middle East and the training programs for students from the region .
Written submissions are invited from organisations and individuals interested
in placing evidence before the Committee. Submissions should be prepared
with reference to the guidelines on
making a submission.
Submissions should be sent to the Committee secretariat by 31 March
2000.
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