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It is Canberra’s duty to prevent attacks: Tharoor

Nedumbassery: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said it was the duty of the Australian government to prevent the attacks on Indian students there.

Talking to journalists here, he said the government’s position was conveyed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament. The government had raised the issue at the highest level and Dr. Singh had held discussions with his Australian counterpart. The Australian government was taking necessary steps to stop the violent attacks.

On the Supreme Court seeking the Centre’s response on the issue, he said it was a normal procedure. “If the court needs more information, we are duty bound to respond,” he said.

The Minister also spoke of the need for steps to streamline the functioning of passport offices, to enhance their efficiency and provide better service.

He was on his way to Yemen to attend the Indo-Asian RIM Countries Conference. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet the President and the Prime Minister of Yemen.

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