[Greens-Media] Downer recognising Papuan occupation shows contempt for democracy - Brown

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Sunday, 21 May 2006

Downer recognising Papuan occupation shows contempt for democracy -
Brown

The Minister for Foreign Affairs' subservient agreement to recognise
Jakarta's control over West Papua shows an enormous contempt for
democracy and freedom in our neighbourhood, Greens leader Bob Brown said
today.

"The double standard is astounding. The government has sent Australian
troops to the other side of the world to defend freedom and democracy
but is turning its back on our Papuan neighbours call for their own act
of free choice," Senator Brown said.

In a recent Newspoll, 77% of Australians backed an act of free choice
for West Papua.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603