Press release

No.: 29/02
Date: 13.02.2002

The Tampa: allegations that communications were intercepted

"I am surprised by the allegations in the Australian media that communications with the Norwegian ship MS Tampa were deliberately intercepted", said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen today. He added that he presumes that the Australian authorities will examine these claims very carefully.

Norway’s ambassador in Canberra, Mr Ove Thorsheim, has had a meeting today in accordance with instructions with Australian Foreign Minister Downer. The purpose of the meeting was for him to be given an account of the factual background for the media reports of the last few days containing allegations that the Australian government intercepted communications with the Norwegian ship MS Tampa. The reports refer to government sources for the allegations that communications were intercepted and used in dealing with the Tampa affair. This situation arose when the Australian authorities refused the ship entry to Australian waters after it had picked up people in distress at sea.

As can be seen among other things from Foreign Minister Downer’s answers during the Australian Parliament’s question time today, the Australian authorities admit that "an inadvertent error" was made in this matter. The Australian Parliament will continue to pursue this matter, and Norway will follow developments closely