DOORSTOP
29 October 2009
Subject: Oceanic Viking
O’Connor: As I have made clear, and indeed as the Foreign Minister has made clear, we want to work through these issues with the Indonesians. This matter‘s genesis is in a distress signal sent to the Australian authorities and the Indonesian authorities some time ago. As a result of that distress signal HMAS Armidale and subsequently, the Oceanic Viking, went to the particular region where the vessel was in distress. We at all times worked, of course, with the lead agencies and the Indonesian authorities, within the Indonesian Zone.
For that reason they were the lead agency. And, there was an agreement reached for humanitarian reasons—it was decided the vessel would be brought to Indonesia and that is the agreement between the two countries. Now, it is important that we focus upon the wellbeing of these passengers and ensure that the transfer of these passengers to Indonesia is done with dignity—it is done calmly—and with compassion.
Journalist: Do you completely rule out taking these passengers back to Xmas Island?
O’Connor: We have an agreement between the Indonesian Government and the Australian Government ...
Journalist: Do you completely rule that out?
…. and we therefore seek to ensure that … we are dealing with human beings here, the lives of 78 passengers and both countries have made clear that there will be compassion and we will also have to ensure the well being and safety of these passengers is paramount
Journalist: Do you completely rule that out?
O’Connor: For that reason, we will continue to work with local authorities and be in contact with them to ensure that the agreement between the Prime Minister and the President of Indonesia is effected.
Journalist: Will they come to Christmas island—it’s a simple question— yes or no?
O’Connor: Again, you need to understand the circumstances which led to this vessel being docked at an Indonesian port. This was a vessel that was in distress in the Indonesian zone.
I think we need to talk about the complex situation we find ourselves in with this particular vessel. This was in, of course, the Indonesian search & rescue zone. And, as a result, the Indonesians were the lead agency. And, as a result of the discussions between the Prime Minister and the President of Indonesia there was an agreement, on the basis of humanitarian factors, that this vessel be brought to an Indonesian port.
And, that has occurred. But, at this point, we need to work through these other issues about the disembarkation of passengers to ensure the safety and well being of these people— this is the paramount concern for both authorities in Indonesia and indeed ourselves.
Journalist: For 12 days they have not gotten off what other options do you have?
O’Connor: I think it is important that we remain calm. I can advise you that the passengers and crew are indeed remaining calm. We need to make sure we work through this process so we can realize the agreement struck between the two countries. This is not an easy issue; of course, we understand that, we need now to work through these issues with the Indonesian authorities to ensure that the agreement between the two countries takes effect.
Journalist: Can you tell me about the health of the sick child who is on board, the whole reason for the humanitarian deal?
O’Connor: As I have indicated a number of times now, the child has been treated medically. There is a doctor on the vessel. That was important, and indeed the well being of these passengers is paramount. It is for that reason we need to deal with this matter with some dignity and deal with it with some compassion and ensure that in processing these people onto Indonesian soil that we do so putting first their safety and their well being
O’Connor: Finally, can I just say that they are being well looked after and I wanted to commend the professionalism of the crew.
