The Hindu : Front Page : Visa issue now in focus

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 28, 2007
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Visa issue now in focus

P.S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: Australian immigration authorities are understood to have permitted Imran Siddiqui, a relative of Mohammed Haneef, to stay with him during the period of his “residential detention.”

Indicating this, Mr. Siddiqui said over the phone that Dr. Haneef felt “relieved that the ordeal is over.”

While feeling “happy” on this score, Dr. Haneef now remained focussed on the issue of his work visa, which remained cancelled, pending Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews’ move to seek the advice of the Solicitor-General.

Mr. Siddiqui said: “Dr. Haneef is not guilty of anything,” and he was looking forward to “coming out with a clean record.”

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, downplaying concerns in some quarters about a possible backlash in relations with India, said he believed “the Indians understand” the legal system in Australia. And, “we respect [India’s] consular responsibilities” in regard to the case, he said.

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