A “Human Contacts Agreement” just signed by the Australian and Soviet governments has gotten a warm welcome from the Jewish community here, particularly the 5,000 Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union living in Australia.
The agreement allows Australian citizens born in the Soviet Union to return there on visits, under the protection of the Australian government.
It was signed in Canberra by Gareth Evans, Australia’s minister for foreign affairs and trade, and his Soviet counterpart, Igor Rogachev.
Australian government sources said its purpose is to encourage contacts between individuals, groups and religious bodies.
The agreement includes a provision for annual consultations to monitor implementation. This places the laws and standards of the Soviet Union under regular scrutiny by the Australian government.
Mark Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said the agreement had “momentous importance” because it allows Soviet Jews in Australia to safely visit loved ones in the Soviet Union.
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