Australia ‘aware of Indian concerns’ over attacks
July 22nd, 2009 - 9:58 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) The Australian government is aware of the “real and deep concern” in India about the attacks on Indian students, Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans said here Wednesday.
He said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was likely to visit India later this year.
“I have been struck by the real and deep concern about the safety of your students in Australia. The Australian government is absolutely committed to supporting students to have a positive and fulfilling educational, social and cultural experience in Australia,” Evans said in an address, “Australia and India: A people-based Partnership”, at the Observer Research Foundation.
He admitted that the series of attacks in the past couple of months has dented Australia’s image in India.
“The Australian government recognises that student safety and possibility of racially targeted attacks are issues of very serious concern in our country,” the minister said, adding “this situation cannot continue”.
He said the government had taken many measures to deal with this situation.
Evans noted that the trial of the 11 accused for six assaults and robberies will start this month. They could face sentences with imprisonment ranging from two to 25 years.
After meeting Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal, Evans told reporters that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard will visit India this year.
“Rudd is coming towards the end of the year while Gillard is expected in September to take forward the bilateral ties,” he said.
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Tags: address australia, australian government, bilateral ties, chris evans, deputy prime minister, development minister, government recognises, human resources development, immigration and citizenship, imprisonment, indian students, julia gillard, kapil sibal, kevin rudd, measures, New Delhi, research foundation, robberies, sentences, student safety
