Fed: Diplomat's Indonesian visit useful to repairing relations

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2006
Fed: Diplomat's Indonesian visit useful to repairing relations

ALEXANDER DOWNER says the recent visit to Indonesia by Australia's top diplomat has
been useful in helping repair relations between the two countries.

Mr DOWNER won't comment on the details of meetings MICHAEL L'ESTRANGE had in Indonesia
.. but says he believes it was right to send the top diplomat instead of himself or JOHN
HOWARD.

The foreign affairs minister says Mr L'ESTRANGE met with two of the president's advisers
.. to talk through the West Papua issue .. and changes Australia's making to its asylum
seeker policy.

Mr DOWNER says it will be some time before Australia's relationship with Indonesia is repaired.

AAP RTV klw/so/jv/bart

KEYWORD: PAPUA DOWNER (CANBERRA)

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