[Greens-Media] Visa delay smacks of political interference: Greens

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

	Visa delay smacks of political interference: Greens

	12.09.07
Minister Andrews should grant a visa to Arabic newspaper editor Dr
Bari-Atwan due to speak at the Brisbane Writer's Festival,  Greens
Immigration Spokesperson Senator Kerry  Nettle said today.

"I have written to Minister Andrews seeking an explanation for the delay
of Dr Bari-Atwan's visa," Senator Nettle said. 

Dr Abdel Bari Atwan, author of The Secret History of al-Qaeda and the
last Western journalist to interview Osama bin Laden, is due to speak at
the Brisbane Writers Festival this week but his visa has not yet been
approved by the Department of Immigration.

"This smacks of the same political interference we saw in the Haneef
case," Senator Nettle said

"The public are right to be sceptical of the Minister's excuse for
failing to issue a visa in time for the Festival."

"Minister Andrews should not hide behind his Department and claim
delays."

"Dr Atwan lodged his visa application weeks ago so the Minister's excuse
rings hollow."

"Is this another case of the government playing politics with the
immigration system?"

"The visa process should not be used to prevent government critics from
visiting Australia."

"The Minister can intervene at any time to approve this visa and ensure
Dr Artwan can speak at the Festival. I have written to him today urging
him to resolve the matter."

For more information Kristian Bolwell 0411638320
Letter to Minister Andrews follows

***********************************
The Hon Kevin Andrews MP
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Parliament House
By Facsimile: 6273 4144

CC: Australian High Commission London 
Attn: High Commissioner:  H. E. Mr Richard Alston Fax: 020 7240 5333

12 September 2007


Re: Dr Abdel Bari-Atwan


Dear Minister,

It has been brought to my attention that Dr Abdel Bari-Atwan,
editor-in-chief of the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper who is due in
Australia to speak at the Brisbane Writers Festival has been delayed in
London due to his visa request not being completed.

I understand that Dr Bari-Atwan applied for a visa on 16 August 2007.

I hope that an entry visa for Dr Abdel Bari-Atwan will be issued in time
for him to speak at the festival.  He is due to speak on the 13th and
15th of September. 

If there is a reason why the visa will not be issued in time to attend
the Festival I would appreciate an explanation as to the delay or visa
rejection.

Yours Sincerely,


Kerry Nettle
	Australian Greens Senator for NSW