[Kabar-indonesia] Indonesian parliamentarian warns Howard

[JoyoNews at aol.com]

Australia Associated Press
June 21, 2006

Indonesian parliamentarian warns Howard

Australia should pass its new immigration laws before Prime Minister 
John Howard meets Indonesia's Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, says a 
senior Indonesian parliamentarian.

Theo L Sambuaga, chair of Indonesia's foreign relations committee, 
has told Mr Howard to tread lightly during next week's meeting.

"We hope it (the legislation) is going to be completed of course," 
Mr Sambuaga told ABC radio.

But he said Indonesia would be patient.

"If it (the legislation) is not completed I can understand as a member 
of parliament, as a legislator myself, I know that it takes time to have 
it processed."

The legislation would mean refugees who reach Australia's mainland 
will be processed off shore.

The changes were proposed by Mr Howard after a group of Papuans 
reached Australia and were granted temporary asylum, creating a 
diplomatic rift between Australia and Indonesia.

Mr Sambuaga also said it would be easier if Mr Howard did not raise 
the release of Islamic cleric Abu Bakir Bashir with Dr Yudhoyono.

"Abu Bakir Bashir is a free man after his sentence," Mr Sambuaga 
said.

"My advice (to Dr Yudhoyono) don't let other heads of foreign countries 
interfere in our process of law."

Mr Howard will urge Indonesia to freeze Bashir's assets and restrict his 
movements, during a summit next week with President Susilo Bambang 
Yudhoyono to repair relations strained by Canberra's decision to grant 
visas to 42 Papuan separatists.

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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