Australia–Yugoslavia relations

Australia–Yugoslavia relations (Serbian: Односи Аустралије и Југославије; Croatian: Australsko-jugoslavenski odnosi; Slovene: Odnosi med Avstralijo in Jugoslavijo; Macedonian: Односите Австралија-Југославија) were historical foreign relations between the now split-up Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Australia. Australia and Yugoslavia established formal diplomatic relations in 1966.^[1] The two countries decided to establish diplomatic missions, initially at the chargé d'affaires level, to facilitate practical contacts, particularly in the field of migration.^[2] Australia recognized the advantages of special relations and contacts with other countries in Eastern Europe but also the role it^{[clarification needed]} played in many of the meetings and activities of Non-Aligned countries.^[2][specify] Relations between the two countries were complicated by poor experiences of Yugoslav immigrants in Australia, which was often perceived to be significantly prone to radical nationalism, anti-Yugoslavism, and even widespread sympathies for World War II collaborationist movements. A delegation of the Yugoslav parliament visited Australia in 1970, while a delegation of the Parliament of Australia, led by William Aston, visited in turn in February 1971.^[3]

Australia and Yugoslavia

Quick facts Yugoslavia ...

Australia-Yugoslavia relations

Australia	Yugoslavia

Close

In 1988, a pro-Croatian, anti-Yugoslav demonstration in front of the Yugoslav Consulate in Sydney ended with a security guard, Zoran Matijaš, shooting and wounding 16-year-old Josef Tokic.^[4][5] This led to a diplomatic crisis between the two countries when the Australian authorities presented the consulate with an ultimatum to surrender Matijaš, which consular officials rejected.^[6] Both countries expelled a number of diplomats.^[7]

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Yugoslav Wars, Australian judges Ninian Stephen, David Hunt and Kevin Parker served with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.^[8] Australia also contributed military personnel to the United Nations Protection Force, Implementation Force and Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.^{[citation needed]}