Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The forestry minister will ask for clarification of Greenpeace`s allegation that Asian Pulp and Paper (APP) has used ramin wood as a raw material in its production, an official said.

"We have asked Greenpeace and APP to meet with the forestry minister tomorrow (Tuesday, March 21)," said Darori, the director-general of forest protection and natural resource conservation, in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday.

Darori said he had earlier asked the foreign nongovernmental organization to be a reporting witness at a hearing, but "regretfully, they would not do it."

According to forestry rules, the use of ramin is not illegal, he said. Ramin is also classified in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which means it can be traded according to regulations and with notifications from the countries involved.

"Therefore, we will prioritize clarification from Greenpeace," Darori said in his comments about his next move, after Greenpeace was prohibited from entering Australia.

Australian Finance Minister Wayne Swan had said he would aggressively fight anti-coal mining activities organized by Greenpeace, just as he has done against similar groups in the past.

Australia learned Greenpeace would need US$6 million to support its activities to disrupt the economy.

Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson has also warned Greenpeace to stop its campaign.
(T.A027/H-YH/KR-BSR/INE/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012