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Bali Nine executions: Julie Bishop’s tough words for Indonesian President Jokowi

AAP

AAP

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has given a strongly-worded press conference over the imminent execution of the Bali Nine, saying she is “very disappointed” in the Indonesian government.

Speaking on Monday afternoon, Ms Bishop said her representations to Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi had been ignored, including that the men not be given notice of their execution on Anzac Day.

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“I am profoundly dismayed that the Indonesian authorities have given Mr Chan and Mr Sukumaran 72-hours notice of their executions,” Ms Bishop said.

“We did make representations to request that they not do this on our national day of remembrance but they proceeded.”

INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA-CRIME-DRUGS-TRAFFICIKING-FILES

Myuran Sukumaran is now a painter, while Andrew Chan is an ordained minister.

“I’m very disappointed that it proceeded this way.”

The foreign minister spoke to Ms Marsudi overnight “for some time” but said despite her representations, Indonesian President Joko Widodo was “determined” to proceed with the executions.

Ms Bishop said nothing could be gained from the execution of Andrew Chan, who was last month ordained as a Christian minister, and Andrew Sukumaran, who recently completed a degree in fine art.

“They are deeply and genuinely remorseful for what they have done and have rehabilitated in the most remarkable way,” she said.

“I respectfully call on President Widodo to reconsider his refusal.

AAP

A painting of Indonesian leader Joko Widodo by Myuran Sukumaran.

“It’s not too late for a change of heart.”

Ms Bishop said allegations that judges who sentenced Mr Chan and Mr Sukumaran asked for bribes “called into question the integrity of the sentencing process”.

She reminded the Indonesian government that two legal processes to spare the men were still underway and asked “that those legal processes be concluded before any other legal action be taken”.

The Coalition minister would not be drawn on whether diplomatic action would be taken in the event the men were killed, but said Australia had the support of the international community.

“Through the secretary general of the United Nations, the international community has made its views known,” Ms Bishop said.

“I would against ask the Indonesian government to reconsider in light of the international response, the response of Australia and our ongoing relationship.”

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