ABC AUSTRALIA, 15/10/2002 10:10:27
Indonesia blames al-Qaeda for Bali blasts
The Indonesian Government has blamed the al-Qaeda terrorist group for the Bali bomb
massacres.
Michael Maher reports from Jakarta that the country's Defence Minister says he's
sure the Bali explosions are related to al-Qaeda.
"Defence Minister Matori Djalil, has become the first Indonesian minister to directly
blame Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda network for the terror in Bali, saying he
was convinced the network really exists in his country."
Maher says that, "After a series of cabinet meetings, the government here has vowed
to toughen up its approach to the terrorist threat, which has long been criticised for
being too lax."
"Security Minister, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has declared that enough is enough
and warned that strategic installations like gas and oil fields around the archepaeligo
may now become terrorist targets."
"The country's police chief has says he welcomes technical assistance from foreign
police forces and has promised to step up security around diplomatic missions in the
capital, " Maher says.
Australia wants action
Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, says it's crucial Indonesia fully cooperate
with investigations to track down those responsible for the attack.
Mr Howard says while there's no direct proof, he has a very strong suspicion the
bombings were directed or inspired by the al-Qaeda terrorist network.
He says it will be very difficult to find the perpetrators:
"There's no shortage of people around the world who are willing to help, but it will
require, naturally, the 100-percent commitment of the Indonesian authorities because
the outrage occured in Indonesia," he says.
Australia's Federal Opposition Leader, Simon Crean, says Australia should play a
leadership role in the fight against terrorism in the region and called for a regional
summit on the issue.
15/10/2002 10:10:27 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
