Jakarta to summon home envoy in Canberra over asylum

JAKARTA, Mar 24 (Reuters) Indonesia will summon home its ambassador in Australia after Canberra gave protection visas to 42 Papuan asylum seekers in defiance of Jakarta, ministers said today.

Asked when the ambassador would leave Canberra for consultations in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said: ''As soon as a plane can take him home.'' Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone announced yesterday that three-year protection visas had been granted to 42 of those who arrived by traditional dugout boat on Cape York in January. A decision on a 43rd person is yet to be made.

REUTERS CH SP1036