A DIPLOMATIC row is brewing over ASIO's refusal to reveal why it threw Amir Laty out of Australia

Diplomatic words hide rising tension over spy

By BEN ENGLISH in Jerusalem and CHARLES MIRANDA
February 26, 2005
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1258&storyid=2723349
A DIPLOMATIC row is brewing over ASIO's refusal to reveal why it threw Amir Laty out of Australia on the eve of a visit by Israeli President Moshe Katsav.

ASIO has refused to comment despite requests from its Israeli counterparts.
Last night Israeli Government officials told The Daily Telegraph the Australian Government's handling of the debacle had left them in "utter bewilderment".
The controversy has strained relations with Jerusalem and threatens to overshadow the historic visit to Australia by Mr Katsav, who arrives in Sydney on Monday.
"It's bizarre," said one high-level Israeli official on condition of anonymity.
"There has been nothing forthcoming, which is unusual.
"Our intelligence agencies work closely together and our countries remain friends.
"So that adds to the mystery of why we have heard nothing from Canberra."
Despite the wrangle, Prime Minister John Howard yesterday assured relations with Israel were "warm".
"President Katsav's visit will reaffirm the warm and long-standing friendship between Australia and Israel and again illustrate the important contribution that the Jewish community makes to Australia in all spheres of our society," Mr Howard said.
"I know that Australians will welcome President Katsav with the warmth for which they are renowned."
President Katsav last night, approached The Daily Telegraph to set out his Government's position.
He said he did not believe the Laty affair would dog his visit.
"I have no concern it will overshadow the trip," he said.
"Our relationship with Australia is so close, so warm, that I don't believe that issue will put any shadow on my state visit.
"I was informed by our authorities that, from the highest level, Australia has indicated there will be no impact on our relationship.
"It may be part of our discussions but I really trust the Australian authorities. I believe them and I agree with them and I will not expect it to be any kind of obstacle or shadow on my visit."
Sources in Jerusalem said Mr Laty had undergone a lie-detector test and interrogation but was suspected of being guilty of no more than a "very active" social life.
The sources said Mr Laty "was just very unlucky".
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom confirmed his department's investigation was still under way.
"This case is now under, let's say, investigation here in Israel," he said.
"We still don't know what was behind the Australian decision to ask him to leave but we are working very closely with the Australians - we are in very close dialogue in order to solve this issue.'
Mr Shalom said the incident would not affect Israel's "warm and fruitful" partnership with Australia.
"Australia is one of the more friendly counties that Israel has," he said.
"In the coming days, we have a visit by our President Katzav, which shows how close we are to each other."
But the public image that the issue is resolved disguises officials who are seething over the spat.
"It's a pity and it is really bad luck for our President," said one.