BBC: Australia expels Israeli diplomat over Dubai killing

[marmar]

Australia expels Israeli diplomat over Dubai killing
Page last updated at 11:45 GMT, Monday, 24 May 2010 12:45 UK


Australia has expelled an Israeli diplomat saying Israel was behind the forging of Australian passports linked to the murder of a Hamas operative in Dubai.

Australia's foreign minister said these were "not the actions of a friend".

The UK took similar action in March, after concluding that Israel was responsible for the use of forged UK passports in the plot.

The Israeli foreign ministry said Australia's decision was disappointing.

Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said it was "not in line with the importance and the quality of the relationship between our countries".
'Sorrow not anger'

At least four forged Australian passports were used in the killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai in January. The originals belonged to Australians living in Israel. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10145459.stm