E&OE...................................................................................................
I have written to Slobodan Milosevic, the Yugoslav President
asking him to release the two CARE workers who are not combatants,
they are humanitarian people who have been concerned about relieving
suffering humanity, not taking sides in a military conflict.
The letter was delivered to the President yesterday and I have asked
the former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, and the Chairman
of CARE Australia to return to Belgrade. In my letter I have asked
Slobodan Milosevic whether he will personally receive Mr Fraser in
relation to the representations we are making about the release of
Mr Pratt and Mr Wallace.
I hope they can be released. They should be released. We remain concerned
as a Government that they continue in detention and as I have said
repeatedly we are lending and bending every effort we can to secure
their release. And I say to their families, keep in good spirit, I
know it is very difficult for you in this stressful situation. The
Australian Government is doing all it can. Mr Fraser is leaving Australia
today and will be in Europe tomorrow and I hope that it will be possible
as the Australian Government's special envoy in relation to this
matter for him to see the President.
[ends]