MR AMIEN RAIS
The claims attributed to the MPR Speaker, Mr Amien Rais, are totally untrue.
The Australian Government has never accused the Indonesian Government of being responsible for the illegal trafficking of people.
The Australian Government unequivocally supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia. It is categorically untrue that we are supporting the independence of Papua.
I am disappointed at the Speaker';s decision.
The appointment with the Speaker had been scheduled for some time, and had been proposed by the Indonesian Government as part of the standard format for official visits. In fact, when he indicated his unavailability earlier today he gave as the reason his preoccupation with the current flood situation.
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