Fed: Aust wants UN to handle Tampa boat people on East Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2001
Fed: Aust wants UN to handle Tampa boat people on East Timor

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says Australia wants the United Nations to process
the asylum seekers from aboard the MS Tampa in East Timor.

A spokesman for Mr DOWNER says the Minister put the request to the United Nations'
representative in East Timor, SERGIO VIERIA de MELLO.

The ABC reports on its website Mr VIEIRA de MELLO listened to the request and says
he will brief UN representatives and East Timorese leaders.

Although East Timor is currently undergoing its first election, the UN has control
of East Timor until next year.

AAP RTV mo/pc

KEYWORD: BOAT TIMOR (SYDNEY)

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