Australian envoy accepts that attacks on Indians may affect bilateral ties
By ANIThursday, January 21, 2010
NEW DELHI - Hours after External Affair Minister S M Krishna said repeated attacks on Indians in Australia did not augur well for bilateral relations between the two countries. Australia on Thursday accepted this fact.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese said, “I don’t think it is an unreasonable observation to say that the continuation of these attacks would not have an effect on the people-to-people exchanges that includes education and tourism.”
Varghese described Krishna’s remarks as a ‘measured’ and ‘constructive’ reaction by the Indian government.
Krishna had on Wednesday said he was’ anguished by the attacks on Indians living in Australia.
He further said that India’s High Commissioner in Australia was taking up the matter with the Australian government.
“I am expecting a report from our high commissioner. And after getting the report perhaps I may have something to say on this,” he said.
“But it is very unfortunate that they should keep repeating which doesn’t augur well for our bilateral relations,” he added.
The minister was reacting to the latest attack on an Indian in Melbourne on Tuesday. (ANI)
