Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Indonesia declares issue of 42 Papuans solved
Indonesia declares issue of 42 Papuans solved
Indonesia has praised Australia’s new stance against Papuan asylum seekers, indicating a thaw in the diplomatic row over Canberra’s decision in March to grant protection visas to 42 Papuans.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, said Australia had responded positively to the crisis by introducing a new "Pacific Solution" and that the issue was "solved".
He made the comments ahead of a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Alexander Downer, in Singapore last night.
In a marked change of tone, Mr Wirajuda said Indonesia had dropped demands for the return of the 42 Papuans and that Australia had shown "goodwill" in its attempt to resolve the stand-off.
Following the March decision, Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had recalled his ambassador from Canberra, claiming Australia was undermining Indonesia’s sovereignty.
However, Mr Wirajuda said Jakarta is now satisfied that Australia’s new policy persuades would-be refugees from Papua not to seek asylum in Australia.
He said this was demonstrated by Australia returning three Papuans found on a Torres Strait island last to Papua New Guinea, the country where they departed from.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Being LBGTI in Asia: UNDP And ILGA World Launch The International Pride Awards, Recognising LGBTIQ+ Equality Champions
UN News: UN Teams Dispatch Aid As Deadly Flash Floods Hit Northern Afghanistan
Save The Children: It’s Not Safe And It’s Not Clean, But People Believe They Are Leaving Something Worse Behind
APEC: APEC Commits To Empowering People With Disabilities
UN News: Israeli Forces Bringing War To The West Bank, Warns UN Rights Office
UN News: 10,000 People Feared Buried Under The Rubble In Gaza