FED: Special deal may be needed in Merak: Indonesia

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2009
FED: Special deal may be needed in Merak: Indonesia

Indonesian officials say a special deal from the Australian government may be needed
to lure almost 250 Sri Lankan asylum seekers from their boat.

The plight of the Tamils .. who have spent 11 weeks refusing to disembark .. has come
under increasing scrutiny following the death of a 29-year-old asylum seeker on Christmas
Eve.

Indonesian authorities have canvassed their options on how to end the deadlock .. and
believe Australia's help will be needed if an immediate solution cannot be found.

Foreign Ministry spokesman TEUKU FAIZASYAH says Indonesia will consider asking Australia
to make a special deal .. like that offered to those aboard the Oceanic Viking in November.

The Australian government promised swift processing times and quick resettlement to
Australia in a bid to entice 78 Tamils from the Oceanic Viking .. ending a four-week impasse.

AAP RTV cj/wz

KEYWORD: BOAT INDON (CANBERRA)

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