|
Related: Asylum issue sours Indonesia-Australia ties
Australian FM: visa decision not to affect ties with Indonesia
JAKARTA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia had summoned its ambassador to Australia and accused the country of imposing double standard in human trafficking, following its controversial decision Thursday to grant temporary protection visas to 42 out of 43 asylum seekers from Papua Province, top ministers said here Friday.
"Indonesia's step is clear. First we call Indonesian
ambassador in Canberra back to Jakarta for consultation," said Chief Security
Minister Widodo Adi Sucipto.
Minister Widodo said that the issuance of the visas
signaled a confirmation of the existence of elements in Australia that supported
separatist movement in Papua.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said here
on Friday that the ambassador would return home as soon as possible.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yuri told reporters here
on Friday that the government would have a consultation and obtain deep
information from ambassador Hamzah Thayeb about the case.
Yuri said that Australia's decision had hampered the
two countries' effort in strengthening bilateral relations.
"With the issuance of the policy, it is impossible to
step up the current cooperation," he said.
Indonesia accused Australia of imposing double
standard in the fight against trans-national human trafficking, said Yuri.
"With temporary visa they (asylum seekers) even can
conduct acts such as 'black campaign' (for separatist purpose), which is against
Australia's stance of supporting integrity of Indonesia," he told a press
conference.
The granting could also lead to a great flow of other
asylum seekers to Australia, he said.
The 43 asylum seekers sailed from Papua to Australia
in January in order to escape alleged genocide by the Indonesian police.
Separatist movement has been active in the province.
The Indonesian government has repeatedly vowed to tackle the problem for
national unity and stability. Enditem
| 
Breaking News 
