INDONESIA SAYS PROCESSING CENTRE JUST PART OF REFUGEE RESPONSE

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Foreign Minister Stephen Smith talks to journalists next to his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa. [AFP]

Linda Mottram, Hanoi-Australia Network News

Indonesia's foreign minister says Australia's proposed refugee processing centre in East Timor is only a potential element in a wider regional response to people smuggling.

Marty Natalagawa has made the comments after two Indonesian officials expressed concern that a processing centre in East Timor might create cultural problems and attract criminals or terrorists.

Speaking in Hanoi, on the sidelines of ASEAN foreign ministers meetings, Mr Natalagawa says he isn't aware of the remarks but says the issue's still being discussed through his Australian counterpart, Stephen Smith.

"We are having conversations with the Australian government about what it entails and I understand that Stephen [Smith] is also talking with the Foreign Minister of Timor Leste as well. Conversations are still to be had but important to recognise that this is only potentially an element in the wider regional framework."
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