Aceh Tsunami Victims Demand Apology from Tony Abbott

Banda Aceh (Antara) -- A community of tsunami victims in Aceh Barat district, Aceh, has insisted that Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott apologize to Indonesians, especially to the victims of the tsunami that hit the province in 2004. \"The Australian prime minister should apologize to the victims of the tsunami in Aceh. We will continue to raise funds to return the financial aid given by Australia to the victims of the tsunami in Aceh in 2004,\" one of the victims of the disaster, Rahmad Ojer, said here on Monday. He made the statement on the sidelines of a coin collection event of the local community in Meulaboh, West Aceh district. The campaign is a sign of the Aceh tsunami victims\' disappointment for having accepted the rehabilitation and reconstruction aid from Australia after the tsunami in 2004. Those in West Aceh who were affected by the disaster expressed regret for having received assistance from the (Australian government), Ojer pointed out. The aid from Australia included used clothing, educational facilities such as books and stationery for schoolchildren, and tents, among other items, he noted. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had recently asked for the cancellation of the execution of two Australian drug convicts in exchange for Australia\'s aid to Indonesia following the tsunami. The coin collection campaign is a symbol marking the disapproval of Indonesians over the Australian prime minister\'s statement. (*)