PM Visit despite warning
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
NEW Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday, she will go ahead with an official visit to Indonesia this month, despite Australian warnings of a heightened security risk.
The announcement of Clark's visit to Malaysia and Indonesia from July 15-20 comes after Australia warned of a possible attack from the al-Qaeda linked Jamaah Islamiah (JI) network.It was said there was no specific information about a target or time for an attack.
Clark said New Zealand police worked with authorities in Indonesia on security matters and she had confidence in those arrangements as far as her own travel went.
"I'm in a lot better position than a tourist embarking on a visit," she said.
During her visits, Clark will meet Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, both of whom visited New Zealand in 2005.
In an upgraded travel advisory at the weekend, The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said terrorists were actively planning attacks that could take place at any time, including on the holiday island of Bali.
But Ansyaad Mbai, head of the anti-terror division of Indonesia's security ministry, said there was no increased terror.Reuters, AFP
The announcement of Clark's visit to Malaysia and Indonesia from July 15-20 comes after Australia warned of a possible attack from the al-Qaeda linked Jamaah Islamiah (JI) network.It was said there was no specific information about a target or time for an attack.
Clark said New Zealand police worked with authorities in Indonesia on security matters and she had confidence in those arrangements as far as her own travel went.
"I'm in a lot better position than a tourist embarking on a visit," she said.
During her visits, Clark will meet Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, both of whom visited New Zealand in 2005.
In an upgraded travel advisory at the weekend, The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said terrorists were actively planning attacks that could take place at any time, including on the holiday island of Bali.
But Ansyaad Mbai, head of the anti-terror division of Indonesia's security ministry, said there was no increased terror.Reuters, AFP
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