FED: Spying charge a worrying development: CARE

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-1999
FED: Spying charge a worrying development: CARE

CARE Australia says Belgrade's intention to charge two Australian aid workers detained in
Yugoslavia with spying sets a dangerous precedent.

Foreign Affairs Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says CARE Australia aid workers STEVE PRATT and
PETER WALLACE are safe and well and being held in the same location.

But Mr DOWNER says they will be charged with spying by Belgrade before being granted
consular access.

CARE's overseas operations director ROBERT YALLOP says that's a worrying prospect for aid
workers around the world.





Mr YALLOP's told ABC radio the aid agency welcomes efforts by its chairman and one-time
Australian Prime Minister MALCOLM FRASER to seek Russia's help in securing the workers'
release.

Mr FRASER is due to meet Russia's deputy Foreign Minister GRIGORI KARASIN as he starts a
round of talks in Moscow aimed at securing support for the release of the two Australians.

Mr YALLOP says consular access to the pair will be crucial to establish whether pressure
was placed on Mr PRATT to secure his alleged confession to spying, broadcast on Yugoslav
television.

AAP RTV rft/rsm/rp

KEYWORD: KOSOVO CARE YALLOP (CANBERRA)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.