ID :
63625
Mon, 06/01/2009 - 18:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/63625
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Rudd says attacks deplorable, promises action
Natasha Chaku
Melbourne, Jun 1 (PTI) Australian Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd on Monday termed the spate of attacks on Indian students
here as 'deplorable' and assured that his government was
working to bring those responsible to justice "as a matter of
urgency".
Rudd told the Parliament that he has spoken to his
Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh about the attacks, that saw
hundreds of students take to the streets in Melbourne.
"I speak on behalf of all Australians when I say that we
deplore and condemn these attacks," he said.
"I said to Prime Minister Singh that the more than
90,000 Indian students in Australia are welcome guests in our
country" he said, adding government will work closely with the
states and territories "as a matter of urgency" to work on
ways to help international students feel safer.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull described
the attacks as "profoundly un-Australian".
"These students are guests in our country and this
recent violent behaviour has the potential to do great damage
to the reputation of Australia as a destination of choice," he
said.
Commenting on the issue, trade Minister Simon Crean also
said Indian authorities raised concerns about students being
targeted more than a year ago. He said their complaints were
being taken up seriously.
Rudd also told the Parliament "the Australian government
is committed to developing a stronger, closer relationship
with India ... (we are) also committed to the safety of all
Australians and all those that visit our nation."
Besides the Indian students more than 200,000 Australians
of Indian descent are also welcome members of the Australian
family, the Prime Minister said.
He said the Commonwealth is working with state
governments to ensure the perpetrators of the crimes are
"brought to justice".
"Australia is a country of great diversity, harmony and
tolerance. We are a multicultural nation and we respect and
embrace diversity, diversity which has enriched our nation,"
Rudd added. PTI
Melbourne, Jun 1 (PTI) Australian Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd on Monday termed the spate of attacks on Indian students
here as 'deplorable' and assured that his government was
working to bring those responsible to justice "as a matter of
urgency".
Rudd told the Parliament that he has spoken to his
Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh about the attacks, that saw
hundreds of students take to the streets in Melbourne.
"I speak on behalf of all Australians when I say that we
deplore and condemn these attacks," he said.
"I said to Prime Minister Singh that the more than
90,000 Indian students in Australia are welcome guests in our
country" he said, adding government will work closely with the
states and territories "as a matter of urgency" to work on
ways to help international students feel safer.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull described
the attacks as "profoundly un-Australian".
"These students are guests in our country and this
recent violent behaviour has the potential to do great damage
to the reputation of Australia as a destination of choice," he
said.
Commenting on the issue, trade Minister Simon Crean also
said Indian authorities raised concerns about students being
targeted more than a year ago. He said their complaints were
being taken up seriously.
Rudd also told the Parliament "the Australian government
is committed to developing a stronger, closer relationship
with India ... (we are) also committed to the safety of all
Australians and all those that visit our nation."
Besides the Indian students more than 200,000 Australians
of Indian descent are also welcome members of the Australian
family, the Prime Minister said.
He said the Commonwealth is working with state
governments to ensure the perpetrators of the crimes are
"brought to justice".
"Australia is a country of great diversity, harmony and
tolerance. We are a multicultural nation and we respect and
embrace diversity, diversity which has enriched our nation,"
Rudd added. PTI
