Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has revealed for the first time why an Australian Customs vessel carrying 78 Sri Lankan asylum seekers was unable to dock at the Indonesian port of Merak.
The Oceanic Viking's passengers refused to disembark from the boat when it docked at the Indonesian port of Tanjung Pinang two days ago.
Asked by Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull why it had been unable to dock at Merak last week, Mr Rudd explained the situation for the first time.
"Indonesian officials advised that the Oceanic Viking should not come to the port of Merak due to shipping activity at the port and a shortage of available accommodation," he told question time.
Mr Rudd said he had discussed the humanitarian situation with the asylum seekers with Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his inauguration ceremony last week.
The asylum seekers were rescued from their stricken vessel by Australian authorities 10 days ago.
Indonesia had requested Australia's help after a child was reported sick on the vessel, Mr Rudd said.
"The Indonesians agreed, of course, to provide for that vessel to go ashore in Indonesia," the prime minister said.
Subsequent discussions about where to land the asylum seekers were held at a diplomatic level, he added.
Mr Rudd could not rule out the use of force in removing the asylum seekers from the vessel but said Australian officers would act as humanely as possible.
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The Oceanic Viking's passengers refused to disembark from the boat when it docked at the Indonesian port of Tanjung Pinang two days ago.
Asked by Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull why it had been unable to dock at Merak last week, Mr Rudd explained the situation for the first time.
"Indonesian officials advised that the Oceanic Viking should not come to the port of Merak due to shipping activity at the port and a shortage of available accommodation," he told question time.
Mr Rudd said he had discussed the humanitarian situation with the asylum seekers with Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his inauguration ceremony last week.
The asylum seekers were rescued from their stricken vessel by Australian authorities 10 days ago.
Indonesia had requested Australia's help after a child was reported sick on the vessel, Mr Rudd said.
"The Indonesians agreed, of course, to provide for that vessel to go ashore in Indonesia," the prime minister said.
Subsequent discussions about where to land the asylum seekers were held at a diplomatic level, he added.
Mr Rudd could not rule out the use of force in removing the asylum seekers from the vessel but said Australian officers would act as humanely as possible.
Read More
