Nauru Has Become A Thorn In The Side Of The Oz Govt
MEDIA RELEASE
Flotillas of Hope
17th May 2004
Flotillas of Hope today welcomed the granting of refugee status to 77 Afghan asylum seekers currently detained on Nauru.
Despite the news, Flotillas of Hope continues on course and is due to arrive in Coffs Harbour later tonight as it sails
up the east coast of Australia where it will converge with another boat the "One-Off" in Brisbane later this week,
before setting out for Nauru on 23rd May.
The Flotilla has been under pressure from both the Australian and Nauru governments not to make this voyage with threats
of jail, heavy fines, vessel impoundment as well as shark infested waters and dangerous coral reefs.
A spokesperson for FOH said that the situation on Nauru had become a political thorn in the side of the Australian
government and felt the weekend decision to free the 77 Afghan people, had been influenced by the enormous media
attention given to this voyage and further added that the wind would could not be taken out of the Flotillas' sails.
Greens Senator, Bob Brown has said today that Amanda Vanstone's weekend decision was "the first victory for the
Australian Flotillas of Hope".
For more information Lynda National Media Coordinator http://www.flotilla2004.com