Australia & Indonesia place 2 million under arrest

Howard and Yudhoyono place 2 million under house arrest

Prime Minister Howard’s use of the ‘Pacific Solution” will effectively place 2 million West Papuans under house arrest, Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Launceston today.

“But the house is ruled by Indonesia’s feared armed forces. They assassinated the last head of the house, elected leader, Theys Eluay,” Senator Brown said.

“Canberra should work for good relations with Jakarta, but the price must not include basic human and political rights. Joint naval patrols with Indonesia to deter or arrest fleeing West Papuans will breach international law and affront the Australian people’s sense of civility and decency.

“The West Papuans are our neighbours,” Senator Brown said.

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