Krishna takes up student attacks with Oz authorities

Sydney, Aug 6 (PTI) Australia Thursday vowed to take
"firm action" against those responsible for the recent attacks
on Indian students as External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
became the first senior leader to visit Down Under to convey
New Delhi's concerns in this regard.

During his meeting with New South Wales (NSW) Premier
Nathan Rees, Krishna, who is on a five-day visit to Australia,
was assured that firm action will be taken against the
perpetrators.

Rees also assured Krishna that inputs from the Indian
community will be included in the action plan for
international students. He informed the minister that a
meeting of the task force on the issue is to be held tomorrow.

Krishna said he was happy with what he has heard from the
NSW Premier.

"Indians by and large are most welcome in Australia,"
he was quoted as saying by ABC.

The External Affairs Minister, who met the Indian
community representatives to get first-hand information about
the problems faced by them, earlier said that "well being and
safety of Indians overseas is a top priority for the
government of India."

The Indian community leaders emphasised that the
immediate action by Australian government in every case was
necessary and asked Krishna to tell authorities of this
country to be more cooperative. They, however, also admitted
that Australia was not a racist country.

During their meeting with Krishna, the students
demanded that an emergency fund should be created for
refunding of the fees in case of closure of colleges.

The students also complained of exploitation by
unscrupulous agents, who take fees in advance.

The minister said advertisements in India about the
colleges here should be certified by consulates to prevent
wrong information from being circulated among the
prospective students.

"Students should be given what they are promised of as
they take loans to come to Australia to study. We need to
reassure our students as well as their anxious parents in
India on this account," Krishna said.

The External Affairs Minister also met NSW Opposition
leader Malcolm Turnbull, police commissioner and immigration
officials.

Krishna is scheduled to visit Melbourne as well and meet
Indian community representatives there.

He will also hold talks with Australian Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd and his counterpart Stephen Smith during his visit.
PTI PYK
AM
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