November 09, 2008
AUSTRALIA is to press for an international moratorium on capital punishment in the wake of the execution of the Bali bombers, the Federal Government said today.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said today he had nothing but contempt for the bombers, but Australia did not support the death penalty.
“Australia of course for a long period of time has generally opposed capital punishment,” he told ABC TV just hours after the executions.
“We urge countries who continue to apply capital punishment not to do so.”
Mr Smith said in the near future Australia would co-sponsor a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly calling for a moratorium on capital punishment.
He said there was a bipartisan opposition to capital punishment in Australia, at the state and federal levels.
But he said today was a sad day for Australia, and particularly for the victims' families.
“Our hearts go out to the families,” he said.
“It's just in my view a terrible reminder of a terrible, horrible event that occurred to family members.
“It's not a day that fills us with any joy or with any celebration.”
Mr Smith said the bombers' executions would bring closure to some of the victims' families.
“I have nothing but contempt for what the Bali bombers did and what they had to say when they were alive, and my view hasn't changed now,” he said.
He also reiterated his warning, issued yesterday, that Australians should reconsider travelling to Indonesia.
Many young school graduates – “schoolies” – might be considering travelling to Bali over the next six weeks, but they should think again.
“We are worried about the prospect of the supporters of the Bali bombers engaging in either demonstrations or reprisals,” he said.
“We continue to have credible information that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia.”
He urged Australian tourists to avoid beaches, bars and malls in Indonesia.
Mr Smith said the Government was pleased with the cooperation it was receiving from Indonesian authorities on counter-terrorism. The two governments were continuing to work together, he said.
Australia rejected all forms of extremism and was pushing for greater respect and regard for all religious faiths, he said.
AUSTRALIA is to press for an international moratorium on capital punishment in the wake of the execution of the Bali bombers, the Federal Government said today.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said today he had nothing but contempt for the bombers, but Australia did not support the death penalty.
“Australia of course for a long period of time has generally opposed capital punishment,” he told ABC TV just hours after the executions.
“We urge countries who continue to apply capital punishment not to do so.”
Mr Smith said in the near future Australia would co-sponsor a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly calling for a moratorium on capital punishment.
He said there was a bipartisan opposition to capital punishment in Australia, at the state and federal levels.
But he said today was a sad day for Australia, and particularly for the victims' families.
“Our hearts go out to the families,” he said.
“It's just in my view a terrible reminder of a terrible, horrible event that occurred to family members.
“It's not a day that fills us with any joy or with any celebration.”
Mr Smith said the bombers' executions would bring closure to some of the victims' families.
“I have nothing but contempt for what the Bali bombers did and what they had to say when they were alive, and my view hasn't changed now,” he said.
He also reiterated his warning, issued yesterday, that Australians should reconsider travelling to Indonesia.
Many young school graduates – “schoolies” – might be considering travelling to Bali over the next six weeks, but they should think again.
“We are worried about the prospect of the supporters of the Bali bombers engaging in either demonstrations or reprisals,” he said.
“We continue to have credible information that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia.”
He urged Australian tourists to avoid beaches, bars and malls in Indonesia.
Mr Smith said the Government was pleased with the cooperation it was receiving from Indonesian authorities on counter-terrorism. The two governments were continuing to work together, he said.
Australia rejected all forms of extremism and was pushing for greater respect and regard for all religious faiths, he said.
Source: The Australian
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