Sri Lankans wary of promised deals
Updated
The Sri Lankans onboard the Oceanic Viking have also been promised English language classes while their claims are being processed.
But a major sticking point remains. The Sri Lankans don't want to spend anymore time in Indonesia while their cases are resolved.
Presenter: Geoff Thompson
Speakers: Teuku Faizasyah, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman
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GEOFF THOMPSON: Accommodation is the sticking point, with the Sri Lankans insisting they not be headed for detention. The Australian offer letter says that "discussions with the Indonesian Government have not been finalised".
But the Indonesian Government thinks otherwise, insisting that the asylum seekers be detained in Tanjung Pinang's Australian-funded detention centre.
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Teuku Faizasyah:
TEUKU FAIZASYAH: Well, that is the very issue that I think we are not (inaudible)... we are not prepared to slow the illegal migrants staying in this community but we already make deal that they would stay in a detention centre.
GEOFF THOMPSON: So that remains the final sticking point, I guess, to the Sri Lankans agreeing to Australia's offer for them to be resettled in Australia.
TEUKU FAIZASYAH: Well, I think it is very much on your part to convince the Sri Lankans. If they are willing to move to Indonesia then there will be processed in a detention centre. At a certain stage you will enforce UNHCR to certify their refugee status.
GEOFF THOMPSON: But after three-and-half weeks Indonesia has dug deep and found new patience with Australia's negotiation efforts. The Oceanic Viking's security clearances will be extended beyond tomorrow's deadline says Teuku Faizasyah.
TEUKU FAIZASYAH: We are willing to extend the stay to provide you with ample opportunity to resolve the issue.
GEOFF THOMPSON: Indonesia's military is being a little less sanguine with a patrol boat tied up keeping watch on the Oceanic Viking and spokesman Air Vice Marshall Sagom Tamboen describing the Australian ship's presence as "disadvantaging" Indonesia's sovereignty.
(Sagom Tamboen speaking)
"We hope the two governments immediately find a solution so that the Australian vessel can immediately leave our country - it's even better if they also take these refugees along with them," he said.
