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Australia welcomes Indonesian offer on asylum seekers

Australia's federal Government and Opposition have applauded a move by Indonesia for a regional approach to the issue of asylum seekers.

Jo Prichard reports, with Australia going to the polls next month, both major political parties are trying to take some credit for the breakthrough.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda says people smuggling has become more urgent in recent weeks because of the conflict in Afghanistan. At this stage the talks are being planned for next month. The Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says Indonesia's position on a regional approach has been slowly evolving. "The Ministerial visit I made with my two colleagues helped to take the process forward." The Shadow Minister Laurie Brereton is pleased Indonesia has responded. "To my knowledge the Government have never actually proposed the meeting that the Indonesians have agreed to. It was a Labor proposal." Indonesia says it would invite south east Asian nations to the talks, and countries from which the refugees are fleeing such as Pakistan and Iran."

25/10/01 8:52:00 | ABC Radio Australia News

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