Does it concern the Australian government that Indonesia appears unhappy?
Bowen: Certainly that’s not a view that’s been expressed to me in my meetings today with either minister. Certainly that’s far from the case. Journalist: With the concern, just related to, you know, a successful processing centre in East Timor would act as a magnet, was that actually addressed or raised as a concern by any Indonesian ministers you met this morning? Bowen: No. Journalist: What sort of timeframe do you envisage for people to be processed through this processing centre? Bowen: Well certainly… Journalist: Because the East Timorese have very much expressed that they want a time limit on that. Bowen: Well certainly, President Ramos-Horta has put the figure out of three years, he wouldn’t want anybody in the centre for three years or more and I would certainly agree with that. Journalist: That would be much quicker processing than most refugees have around the world, wouldn’t it? Bowen: I think that underlines the importance of a regional consistent and collective framework h
