Attack over Indians: Australian High Commissioner explains to CM

"Australian Government has seriously taken stocks of attacks on Indians there and the government is making changes in education registration system and law enforcement measure", said Australian High Commissioner Peter Verghese after meeting the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Tuesday.

Mr Peter Varghese called on Chief Minister at the state secretariat and explained to him concerns regarding the recent attacks on Indians had occurred in his country.

He told journalists after the 30-minute-long meeting that the Australian government was addressing the issue in a “serious and comprehensive” manner through making changes in education registration system and law enforcement measures.

He also informed the Chief Minister about the plans to expand the Chennai office of the Consulate General.

To a query whether Sri Lankan Tamils who were stranded between Indonesia and Australia would be granted the refugee status in Australia, Mr. Varghese replied that his country had a “very strong record” of accepting genuine refugees and offering protection consistent with international conventions. But, it was part of Australia's clear policy that there was a process for applying for the refugee status which needed to be observed and that the illegal entry into his country was something which no Australian government would be in a position to support.

Australian High Commissioner met Karunanidhi after a day his son and Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers M.K. Alagiri announced his tour package to Australia in this month. Mr Alagiri would be on a 11-day official visit to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand from March 21.

The Minister would explore possibility of importing phosphate from Australia by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) during his visit, an official announcement released on Monday.

- Asian Tribune -