Subjects: CARE Workers
E&OE....................................................................................................
JOURNALIST:
Prime Minister, what's your response to the latest development
in the case of Steve Pratt and Peter Wallace?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, I think the hopes and the thoughts and the prayers of many Australians
will be with them. We hope that they get a fair trial. They are not
guilty men. They are humanitarian, decent Australians who are trying
to help their fellow man and we devoutly hope that they will be free
and reunited with their families as soon as possible.
JOURNALIST:
....with the international observers, does that indicate that it's
now looking as though it's going to be a show trial?
PRIME MINISTER:
My concern is for the fate of the two men. I don't wish to answer
that question. I can only express the devout hope that they are given
a fair and decent trial.
JOURNALIST:
How are your talks with Meg Lees going, Prime Minister?
PRIME MINISTER:
Continuing.
JOURNALIST:
Is a deal looking more unlikely now?
PRIME MINISTER:
The talks are continuing.
[ends]