Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 June 2006
Position on Bashir made abundantly clear
Indonesia would be in no doubt over New Zealand's desire to see Bali bombing mastermind Abu Baka Bashir prevented from
engaging in further acts of terrorism, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today.
"Today in the House, Mr McCully claimed New Zealand had taken no action over the shortness of Bashir's sentence. That is
not correct," Mr Peters said.
"The conviction and sentencing of Bashir preceded my term as Foreign Minister by some time, but the government certainly
did raise concerns at the time about the way the case was handled.
"Under my watch, our Ambassador in Jakarta joined other countries that lost citizens to terror attacks in Indonesia in
making successful representations expressing concern at a possible reduction in the sentence.
"Despite our disappointment at Bashir's sentence, we do not believe it represents a lack of will on the part of the
Indonesian authorities to prosecute all those alleged to be involved in terrorism.
"New Zealand strongly supports Indonesia’s efforts in the war against terrorism. Since his recent election, President
Yudhoyono has been unequivocal in his commitment against terrorism.
"The Indonesian government has taken steps to bring the Bali bombers to justice. Its relentless pursuit of Azahari bin
Husin bore fruit last November.
"The inability of prosecutors in the justice system to make charges against Bashir stick is a separate matter, and New
Zealand does not seek to involve itself in the judicial processes or release conditions of other sovereign nations.
"Mr McCully has a law degree but was never admitted to the Bar, which perhaps explains why he doesn't understand the
difference," Mr Peters said.
ENDS