"I am going to send an official letter to the Australian prime minister tonight seeking his clarification and official stance with regard to the wiretapping issue by Australia," President Yudhoyono said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said he would send an official letter regarding the wiretapping issue to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
"I am going to send an official letter to the Australian prime minister tonight seeking his clarification and official stance with regard to the wiretapping issue by Australia," President Yudhoyono said in a press statement on Wednesday.
The head of state made the statement before newsmen after meeting Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Najib Riphat Kesoema, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Minister Dipo Alam and Head of the State Intelligence Agency Marciano Norman.
President Yudhoyono expressed his disappointment about Australia, which has not yet offered an official clarification to Indonesia about the wiretapping.
"The Government of Indonesia has again expressed hope that Australia will give its clarification and state its official stance over the wiretapping issue," Yudhoyono noted.
In a bid to have the issue settled, President Yudhoyono also temporarily suspended cooperation in a number of fields between Indonesia and Australia.
The president has decided to temporarily suspend cooperation between the two countries in the fields of information and intelligent data exchange, joint military exercises, and military operations in the area of human trafficking, until an explanation is offered regarding the wiretapping.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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