The White House press secretary has outlined Donald Trump’s schedule for the UN General Assembly in New York, confirming there is no planned stand-alone meeting with Anthony Albanese.
It comes as France officially joined Australia, the UK, Canada and Portugal in confirming it is independently recognising Palestinian Statehood. Almost 160 members of the United Nations have now moved to recognition.
“France today recognises a State of Palestine,” Macron told the UN summit on Tuesday as the Palestinian delegation led an ovation, saying he was supporting “peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples”.
President of France Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech recognising Palestinian Statehood at the Two State Solution Conference ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
In line with Israel, Trump is vehemently opposed to the international push for statehood, which has isolated the United States from key Western allies.
“He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza. It does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House.
“And frankly, he believes it is a reward to Hamas. He believes these decisions is just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies.”
Albanese excluded from Trump meeting schedule
On the sidelines of the global talks, there had been hopes of securing the first face-to-face engagement between Albanese and Trump. They have spoken on the phone four times since Trump returned to power.
At a press conference, Leavitt outlined the official engagements for Trump, saying he has a “very busy schedule for the week”.
Trump has prioritised bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary-General and the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, and the European Union.
He will also hold joint talks with representatives of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, the UAE and Jordan.
But his diary doesn’t currently include a one-on-one meeting with Anthony Albanese, who leaves New York mid-week to travel to London.
Albanese is, however, among 100 leaders invited to an official reception on Wednesday, where the pair are likely to at least brush paths.
Trump will then return to Washington and welcome Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House for separate talks.
Israel ‘must accept its share of responsibility’
Albanese will address the United Nations two-state solution event on Tuesday, likening the Palestinian quest for statehood to the Israeli push for a modern state.
“Nearly 78 years ago, Australia was proud to be the first member of the United Nations to vote for the plan that made the modern state of Israel possible,” Albanese will say.
“The international community’s vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, always encompassed two states. A state of Israel and a state of Palestine. Living side by side, within internationally-recognised borders. And recognising each other’s right to live in peace and security.”
He will describe the October 7 Hamas attacks as “horrific”.
“We join with our allies and partners in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately and with dignity. And we stand with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history’s darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference, ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Albanese will say Australia has added its voice to global calls for a ceasefire, and he defended his cabinet’s decision to independently endorse the government’s recognition of a Palestinian state, which came into effect on Sunday.
“We want the killing to stop.”
“Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. And for this, the Israeli Government must accept its share of responsibility”
“In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people,” Albanese will tell the UN General Assembly.
The government says its decision to recognise Palestinian Statehood is conditional on Hamas having no role in the future state and is based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority that it will demilitarise, hold democratic elections and reform governance, finance and education.
Albanese will also hit back at criticism the move to recognition is symbolic and won’t change conditions on the ground for the Palestinian people.
“That means more than a seat, a voice and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has spoken with Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar, expressing disappointment with the government about its “break with bipartisanship”, saying “now is the wrong time while Hamas still holds hostages and while conflict still rages”.
