SA: Diplomat visit to Indonesia is entirely appropriate: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2006
SA: Diplomat visit to Indonesia is entirely appropriate: Downer

ALEXANDER DOWNER says it's entirely appropriate Australia's most senior diplomat ..

and not a government minister .. visit Indonesia to soothe hostilities over the decision
to grant temporary asylum to 42 Papuan boatpeople.

The Foreign Minister's dismissed suggestions that he or Immigration Minister AMANDA
VANSTONE should go to Indonesia to address the tensions.

Mr DOWNER says ministers would be dizzy running around if they responded to every claim
and demand made by every MP in both countries.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade head MICHAEL L'ESTRANGE will travel to Jakarta
later this week .. to meet ministers and senior advisers about Australia's decision to
grant the Papuans asylum.

AAP RTV la/cp/tm

KEYWORD: PAPUA DOWNER (ADELAIDE)

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