Fed: Downer says rebuild relations with Indon cautiously

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2006
Fed: Downer says rebuild relations with Indon cautiously

ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australia needs to slowly and cautiously rebuild communications
with Indonesia.

The foreign minister says he's not surprised by comments by Indonesian president SUSILO
BAMBANG YUDHOYONO .. that the relationship between the two nations is full of challenges.

Acknowledging Australia's decision to grant protection visas to 42 Papuan asylum seekers
has caused sensitivity in Indonesia .. Mr DOWNER's told ABC Radio communications will
gradually be re-built .. if they don't rush it.

He says President YUDHOYONO has renewed his commitment to the bilateral relationship
with Australia.





Mr DOWNER says he's not surprised Indonesia has declined an invitation to attend the
Proliferation Security Initiative exercise to be held around Darwin this week .. because
Indonesia has never supported PSI.

PSI aims to limit the spread of weapons of mass destruction and materials by developing
procedures for intercepting illicit shipments.

AAP RTV mb/maur/jmt

KEYWORD: PAPUA DOWNER (CANBERRA)

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