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Australian Prime Minister Apoligises To Indonesia Over Biological Attack
PRIME Minister John Howard was forced to apologise to Indonesia yesterday after a biological attack on its embassy - and the first on Australian soil. A powder - which initial tests showed was either anthrax or one of four other lethal substances - was mailed to Indonesian Ambassador Imron Cotan and opened yesterday. The finger of blame points to Australia, with anger over the Schapelle Corby sentence behind the attack. Mr Howard labelled the attack a "reckless act of indifference to human life" and confirmed the powder was "some kind of biological agent". Mr Cotan's secretary opened the envelope just after 10.30am yesterday and white powder spilled to the floor. Although there was initial belief the powder could have been fertiliser, Mr Howard said it tested positive for a "harmful" substance. He said it would be remarkable if the attack was not related to community anger over the 20-year sentence handed down to Corby by a Bali court for drug smuggling. Police and emergency services, including hazardous materials units, were called and the embassy was immediately locked down. The powder was tested at the ACT Government analytical laboratory and found to be an unknown but potentially dangerous biological agent. Police spokesman refused to say if a note was included with the powder. Police sources said the tests were a long way from complete, and that false readings were common. A statement from the Indonesian Government last night condemned and strongly deplored what it described as a "sorry and cowardly attempt of intimidation". It also welcomed the support and assistance of Australian officials. Posted by: Spavirt Pheng6042 2005-06-01 |
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