FM Marty -Juliet Not Focusing On Espionage Issue At BDF

Nusa Dua, Bali, Nov 8 (Antara) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said bilateral discussions taking place on the sideline of Bali Democracy Forum VI with the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop have not focused on espionage issues. "We have briefly discussed the espionage issue during our bilateral meeting. However, Minister Julie cannot confirm this, as she has no authority relating to the espionage actions," said Marty, after the bilateral meeting held here on Friday. According to Marty, the Australian government also discussed the Indonesian plan to exchange information about the incident. Previously, Marty stated that Indonesia will review the agreement following the information leaked by National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden that the United States and Australia were conducting espionage activities directed at Indonesia. "Regarding the diplomatic context, the review process on the information exchange agreement has a lot of meanings. The process will be continuing until we have found the solution," Marty said. He added that Indonesia was also coordinating with other countries which have similar problems. The minister said there are at least 90 countries with problems relating to the espionage actions which are suspected to have been conducted by the US and Australia. "The Foreign Ministry invites all parties to be vigilant in keeping guard over information and communications so they are not susceptible to espionage activities," Marty said. He noted that mutual trust between Indonesia and Australia should be renewed after having been damaged by the recent espionage issue.