Transcript: E&OE
17 July 2009
Interview: ABC Radio, AM with Tony Eastley
Topic: Detention of Australian citizen Stern Hu.
TONY EASTLEY: As China was issuing its warning, Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith was meeting the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs in Cairo.
Mr Smith pressed Mr He for more details about the case against Stern Hu and for the case to be dealt with quickly.
During a flight stopover in Dubai, Stephen Smith spoke to AM's Alexandra Kirk.
STEPHEN SMITH: Firstly, we have underlined politely but firmly that expedition is the key here; that this matter must be dealt with expeditiously.
Secondly, I think we are now proceeding on a much clearer basis as to the circumstances surrounding Mr Hu's detention, the investigation and any possible charges that may be laid against him.
REPORTER: So what did you find out?
STEPHEN SMITH: I still think further information is required, but that is necessarily now entwined or caught up with the fact that the investigation by the relevant Chinese authorities has not concluded. It's quite clear there is a very sharp focus on Mr Hu's role in iron ore negotiations for the 2009 iron ore price negotiations, including possible allegations or suggestions of bribery or receiving, unlawfully, information from the Chinese side.
Now, I'm not in the position, obviously, to make any judgements about those assertions, but that is clearly the sharp focus of the ongoing Chinese investigations.
REPORTER: How does this all gel with a Chinese Government spokesman warning Australia against interference in the Rio Tinto case, saying that quote, ‘noise being made about the Hu case is interference in China's judicial sovereignty'? Has your government's so-called interference backfired?
STEPHEN SMITH: Firstly, I've seen the remarks from the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs spokesperson. I've also seen the analysis that's been made of those statements in some of our Australian media this morning.
I don't share that analysis. What has been said is that this is a matter which is now subject to an investigation, subject to Chinese law and Chinese potentially criminal, legal and judicial processes. So I certainly don't share the analysis that's been made by some today.
When I had my conversation with Vice-Minister He, I made the point that Australia understood that this was a matter before Chinese legal and potentially judicial processes.
REPORTER: But the Chinese Government spokesman went on to say that the actions of Rio Tinto staff have caused losses to China and China's interests, and he believes Stern Hu and Rio are fully aware of that, suggesting that governments already determined Stern Hu is guilty. Are you worried about that?
STEPHEN SMITH: That doesn't sit with the meeting that I had and the statements made to me, which are that the investigation against Mr Hu - and others associated with him who are also under detention - is ongoing.
I'm proceeding on the basis that there's an investigation; that investigation has not come to a conclusion; and that investigation may well lead to charges. That is why we are dealing with this, as I have said, methodically, in a way which in our view, best advances and protects Mr Hu's interests.
REPORTER: If Mr Hu is charged, do you believe he'll get a fair trial?
STEPHEN SMITH: I'm taking it step by step. An investigation is underway; he has not yet been on the receiving end of charges. If and when he is, we'll deal with it at that point in time.
TONY EASTLEY: The Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on the line from Dubai, speaking there with Alexandra Kirk.
[Ends]
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