Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela

Today, we have lost one of history’s great leaders. I extend my deepest condolences to the Mandela family and to the government and people of South Africa, the Republic that President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela helped free from the cruelty and hatred of apartheid and forged a new into a rainbow nation of hope and healing. I will always cherish the honor and memory of knowing him.

President Nelson Mandela is gone, but his legacy and example will forever endure. May they continue to inspire South Africa and all humanity for generations to come. He was one of the greatest human beings of our time. Farewell, Madiba—and thank you.

Changes of the "status" of Palestine to the United Nations

The Austral Government congratulates Palestine by its elevation to State observer of his "status" at the United Nations, following a vote in the UN General Assembly Resolution that had the support of 138 of the 193 Member States of the Organization.

The Republic Austral reiterates its support for the immediate resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine leading to the establishment of a sustainable and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

 

The Austral Central government today announced the order of a new high-speed train to operate on the West island with a total investment of A$ 160 million. A new company,  Acela, will be based in Austral City, and will connect Austral City to Columbia, Plenty, Southampton, Biscay, Nantes and St. Pauls. The new line is due to commence operations on the 15th May 2012.

Admission of Palistine as full member of UNESCO

The Australis Government congratulates Palestine on its admission, as full member of the Organization of
United Nations for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO). The
Palestinian application was approved today, 31st October, in Paris, at the General
Conference of UNESCO, in compliance with the recommendation adopted on 5th
October 2011 for the Executive Advice of the Organization. With the result,
Palestine becomes the 195th member of UNESCO - the first specialized agency of the
United Nations admitting Palestine as full member.

Statement by the Press Secretary on Funds for the Horn of Africa Famine

Statement by the Press Secretary on Funds for the Horn of Africa Famine


Amid the worst drought in East Africa in 60 years, the United Nations has declared that famine now affects five regions in Somalia and predicts that famine could soon expand throughout southern Somalia. Thousands of Somalis are fleeing the famine and seeking refuge in Kenya and Ethiopia, which are also affected by the drought. According to the United Nations, more than 12.4 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Today, on behalf of the Austral Government and the Australis people, the President has approved an additional AS$ 10 million for urgent humanitarian relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, including funds from his Emergency Relief and Migration Assistance Fund.

Air Austral announces the arrival of its 2 newest aircrafts, a Boeing 777-200, which today landed at Austral International Airport (AIA). It is due to make its first commercial flight tomorrow, departing at 17:00 hours local time to New York (JFK) and the second departing at 21:00 hours local time to Singapure (SIN).

Air Austral announces the arrival of its newest aircraft, a Boeing 777-200 ER, which today landed at Austral International Airport (AIA). It is due to make its first commercial flight tomorrow, departing at 09:00 hours local time to Buenos Aires (EZE).