Australia Asked to Investigate Breach at Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne
Jakarta. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has called on Australian authorities to investigate an incident that involved the hoisting the flag of the Free Papua Movement, or OPM, at the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne on Friday (06/01).
"Australian authorities must complete the investigation and bring to justice the criminal who breached the [premises of the] Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne," Retno said, as quoted in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
The ministry said the breach was an intolerable criminal act and that Australia, as the host country, has a duty and responsibility to investigate and guarantee the safety of all foreign missions.
Article 22, paragraph 2 of the 1961 Vienna Convention states that "the host country has a special duty to take all necessary actions to protect the buildings of a foreign mission from any intrusion or damage, and prevents all forms of disturbances or damaging the authority of the mission."
Retno spoke with her Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop, on Saturday to ensure that legal action is taken against the alleged perpetrator, while the Indonesian ambassador in Canberra also communicated with local authorities to ensure the safety of all missions and staff.
Indonesia has condemned the incident.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said a suspect raised the flag at 12.52 p.m. local time, while most of the office staff were performing Friday prayers.
Tags: Keywords: