Phone-tapping claims roil Australia-Indonesian relations

Jakarta recalled its ambassador over the issue and threatened to end cooperation efforts. Bilateral initiatives between the countries include countering terrorism and deterring asylum seekers leaving Indonesia on boats bound for Australia.

 

"I don't believe Australia should be expected to apologize for reasonable intelligence gathering operations, just as I don't expect other countries or other governments to apologize for their reasonable intelligence gathering operations," Prime Minister Tony Abbott told parliament.

 

Describing Yudhoyono as "one of the best friends we have anywhere in the world," Abbott expressed "regret (at) any embarrassment that recent media reports have caused him."   Jakarta had given Abbott an ultimatum: apologize over spying or see cooperation withdrawn.

 

Yudhoyono, in a series of tweets to his 4 million followers, deplored Australia's lack of contrition and threatened retaliation.

 

"We will review a number of bilateral cooperation agendas as a result of Australia's hurtful action," the president said. "I also deplore the statement of the Australian PM which made light of spying on Indonesia and lacked a sense of guilt."   Canberra is alleged to have logged the president's mobile traffic for a 15-day period in 2009. The claim was made by national broadcaster ABC, citing former US security worker Edward Snowden.//DPA