Ba`asyir`s call for violence againts Islamic teachings

He said such a statement from Ba`asyir violated Muslim teachings because the latter said foreign tourists acted like animals and their morality was far from that which was reflected by the Prophet Mohammad.

Ba`asyir`s controversial remark was reported in a big way by Australian media on Monday, March 24, and prompted Foreign Minister Stephen Smith to issue a special press statement about the case.

"The reported comments by Abu Bakar Ba`asyir are consistent with his well-known views and nothing more than his familiar bigotry. I condemn these views absolutely," Smith said.

Stephen Smith said in the press statement that as Ba`asyir`s views had been condemned previously by the Australian government, he condemned them again on Monday and would continue to do so.

He also pointed out that Indonesian authorities also continued to pay close attention whenever comments such as these suggested threats to Australians and other foreigners.

He said cooperation on counter-terrorism between Australia and Indonesia was ongoing and remained strong.

"On February 7, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda and I agreed to extend our bilateral counter terrorism Memorandum of Understanding for another three years," Smith said.

"We also ...