Fed: Kosovars will fly despite court reprieve Ruddock

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2000
Fed: Kosovars will fly despite court reprieve Ruddock

Almost 180 Kosovar refugees from Australia will be flown back to their war-torn homeland
today, despite another 81 winning a reprieve yesterday for the weekend.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK'S spokesman says the Minister is disappointed by
the added cost the Kosovars' court action to stay will place on the Australian taxpayer.

The spokesman says the charter flight is costing half a million dollars and -- if the
court action is unsuccessful -- it will require another charter flight soon.

The government gave the High Court undertakings yesterday not to force the 81 home
before their case to stay continues on Monday.

But another 178 will be forced to leave Australia today because they're not included
in the court action.

AAP RTV RMG/rp/rt

KEYWORD: KOSOVO AUST RUDDOCK (CANBERRA)

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