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Grim news for Bali Nine pair

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has denied Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s suggestion that he might be reconsidering the execution of two Australian drug smugglers.

Mr Abbott spoke to Mr Widodo on Wednesday night to appeal for clemency for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

Mr Abbott said later that he thought the president was carefully considering Indonesia’s position over the men’s executions.

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“Suffice to say that the president absolutely understands our position and I think he is carefully considering Indonesia’s position,” he said.

“I don’t want to raise hope that might turn out to be dashed.

“I don’t want to reflect on Indonesia or my friend, president Joko Widodo.

“I want to ensure that as far as is humanly possible, I am speaking out for Australians and for Australian values but I’ve also got to respect and defend Australia’s friendships, and one of our very best friendships is with Indonesia.”

But speaking to the Indonesian business publication, Kontan, Mr Widodo said he was not reconsidering the executions and reiterated that Indonesia’s stance was clear and there could be no be intervention.

Mr Widodo also spoke to the leaders of France, Brazil and the Netherlands about their nationals awaiting execution.

Following those phone calls, he said Indonesia would not tolerate interference from other countries when it came to law enforcement.

Chan and Sukumaran were sentenced to death over a 2004 plot to smuggle heroin into Australia.

Labor frontbencher Tony Burke told Sky News that Australian politicians were united in the effort to secure clemency for Chan and Sukumaran.

“This is one of those issues where every side of politics stands together,” he said.

“There’s been complete bipartisanship and support in the way the Government has been trying to seek clemency here.”

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