Fed: Govt rejects call for PM to intervene in Danes case

AAP General News (Australia)
01-20-2001
Fed: Govt rejects call for PM to intervene in Danes case

By Linda McSweeny

CANBERRA, Jan 20 AAP - The federal government today rejected calls to step up pressure
on Laotian authorities to free jailed Australian couple Kerry and Kay Danes, arguing it
was doing its best.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's office denied it was time for Prime Minister John
Howard to intervene and lobby the Laotian Government for the couple's release.

The couple have been detained, but not charged, since December 23 on suspicion of stealing
gems despite pleas of innocence.

Laotian authorities say a …