Fed: Ruddock disappointed at suggestions he s unsympathetic

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2000
Fed: Ruddock disappointed at suggestions he s unsympathetic

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says he's disappointed by claims he lacks sympathy
for the plight of more than 160 boatpeople feared drowned at sea.

Human rights groups and others have been dismayed that Mr RUDDOCK has used the possible
mass-drowning to send a message to potential illegal immigrants about the dangers of sea
voyages.

But Mr RUDDOCK says he's worked long and hard to warn people of the dangers of putting
their lives in the hands of people-smugglers.

Unconfirmed reports from Indonesia suggest the boatpeople might have drowned in international
waters off Australia's north coast on their way to Australia.

The weather bureau says it's likely Cyclone SAM whipped up the rough seas.

The alarm was raised after two boatloads of people that left islands off eastern Indonesia
last week failed to arrive at Australia's Ashmore Reef.

A Japanese tanker has reportedly picked up four survivors from a boat carrying 87 people.

AAP RTV kjp/wz/hn

KEYWORD: BOAT (CANBERRA)

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