Kim Beazley says the Australian Govt is entitled to see that Julian Moti faces sex abuse charges. (File photo)
Last Update: Tuesday, October 3, 2006. 12:13pm (AEST)

Beazley backs Moti extradition attempts

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says he supports Australia's efforts to extradite Solomon Island's Attorney-General Julian Moti.

Mr Moti is an Australian citizen and is wanted over allegations he sexually abused a teenage girl nearly a decade ago.

He has sought diplomatic refuge in Port Moresby and the Federal Government is involved in a diplomatic row with the Solomon Islands over his extradition.

Mr Beazley says the Australian Government is entitled to see that Mr Moti answers the charges.

"But it's always important that you do the right thing and it wouldn't matter if Mr Moti was here or in the Bahamas," he said.

"The obligation on the Australian Government would be to do the best ... if there's a justice issue outstanding to ensure he comes back to face those issues."

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says Australia has followed the correct extradition procedure and the Solomons and Papua New Guinea Governments should surrender Mr Moti.

"I know the Solomon Islands Prime Minister has spoken to his Papua New Guinea counterpart and complained about all of this," he said.

"But I wouldn't have thought, bearing in mind we have an extradition treaty with Papua New Guinea and we have an important relationship with them and they have a very important relationship with us, that Papua New Guinea would do anything but follow the letter of the law."