Tony Abbott refuses to commit to spy code of ethics

Tony Abbott refuses to commit to spy code of ethics, flags security round table

Dan Harrison, Michael Bachelard

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has declined to immediately commit to the spying code of ethics demanded by Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, but suggested a ''security round table'' be established so both nations could be more open with each other and build greater mutual trust.

Addressing reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday, Mr Abbott said he would take time to reflect on the statement made by the Indonesian President on Tuesday night, before ''trusted envoys'' would meet to work through the issues.

The Prime Minister said he wanted to strengthen co-operation on combating bilateral issues such as counter-terrorism and people smuggling, but would not comment on the operational details of  intelligence matters.

Mr Abbott said he wanted to bring ''something positive'' out of the recent tensions between the two countries, which followed revelations Australia had tapped the mobile phones of Dr Yudhoyono, his wife and senior ministers in 2009.

''Obviously, that relationship does depend on a great deal of intelligence sharing,'' he said. ''I want to deepen and extend that in the weeks and months ahead.''

Dr Yudhoyono is seeking a new code of conduct with Australia that would include guarantees about spying activities.  

The President insists such an ethics agreement must be signed before relations can be fully normalised and co-operation on people smuggling, trade police and military exercises restored.

The Jakarta Post has reported that police have stopped arresting boat people who are heading for Christmas Island.

Mr Abbott said he was keen for a quick resolution, but ''on a strong and lasting basis''.

He said the relationship between Australia and Indonesia should emerge from the rocky period on an ''even stronger and better footing''.''While this has been a stressful week, in all relationships there are difficulties as well as strengths.''

He rejected the proposition that Australia's pursuit of closer security ties with Indonesia could harm long-standing relationships with key allies such as the United States.

''I've always said you don't make new friends by jettisoning old ones,'' he said.

He remained confident that beef exports to Indonesia would continue to grow and wouldn't be affected by the diplomatic tension of recent days, despite Indonesia's threats that it may look elsewhere for trading partners.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Andrew Robb has deviated from the government's script, which has been to refuse to confirm the phone tapping took place.

The Prime Minister has said repeatedly he won't comment on intelligence matters, but on Wednesday Mr Robb appeared to confirm the tapping of the phones of the Indonesian President and his wife.

''It is unfortunate that this taping that took place several years ago has been made public,'' Mr Robb told ABC television on Wednesday. ''But it's there, it's a fact of life, we've got to deal with it.''

The insistence by Dr Yudhoyono after a special cabinet meeting yesterday indicates his fury over “illegal surveillance” remains fresh despite Mr Abbott’s attempts at calming the situation, and he is prepared to indefinitely extend the Australian Prime Minister’s pain on the issue.

The protocol must be developed by negotiation between a “special envoy,” or Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, and his Australian counterpart, and signed by both countries' leaders and implemented before normal relations can resume, the President said.

Dr Yudhoyono revealed at a press briefing on Monday night that Mr Abbott’s letter did not include an apology, but rather a pledge to “not take any action in future that may damage or interfere with Indonesia”.

Dr Yudhoyono would not release the letter, but spoke approvingly about its contents before saying there were “a number of matters that still require to be clarified by the government of Australia”.

Firstly, he tasked his foreign minister, or an unnamed “special envoy” to discuss “in depth the serious matters and issues … including bilateral relations with Australia” raised by the phone tapping revelation. 

--

--

--

In a further sign of his displeasure with the “five eyes” countries who worked to tap his phone and that of his wife and inner circle in 2009, Dr Yudhoyono said he wanted further investigation of media stories that South Korea and Singapore had been involved in tapping undersea cables carrying  information to and from Indonesia on behalf of Australia and the United States.

He instructed Foreign Minister Mr Natalegawa to “call in” and seek an explanation from the ambassadors of both countries.

Dr Yudhoyono's spokesman said the President would not be writing to Mr Abbott to formally put his point of view.

“Well, the people have seen this issue.

This issue is not only between President Yudhoyono and PM Tony Abbott but it has involved the public too,” the spokesman said.

with AAP

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-refuses-to-commit-to-spy-code-of-ethics-flags-security-round-table-20131127-2y8u4.html#ixzz2looAOhrE