Australian Govt Regrets Executions of Chan and Sukumaran

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop on Wednesday issued a joint press statement expressing a deep regret over the executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

"The Government had hoped that Indonesia would show mercy to these young men, who have worked hard since their arrests to rehabilitate themselves and improve the lives of other prisoners," they said in the statement published on the website of the Australian embassy in Jakarta, Wednesday.

The statement noted that they committed a serious crime, but lengthy prison terms would have been an appropriate punishment, they added.

In jail, Andrew Chan brought comfort and hope to others and Myuran Sukumaran shared his skills to give prisoners the chance of a better life, the statement said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumarans family and friends at this extremely difficult time," Abbott and Bishop stated.

Australia respects Indonesias sovereignty, but deeply regrets that Indonesia could not extend the mercy it so often seeks for its own citizens, they remarked.

"We will withdraw our Ambassador for consultations once the mens bodies have been returned to the Chan and Sukumaran families," they warned, adding that ministerial visits will remain suspended. (WDY)