Singapore unable to change its decision in Australian drug trafficking case: FM Yeo

Article from CNA. I am not very sure whether this is Singapore's final decision, but it might just be, barring a miracle.

By S. Ramesh

SINGAPORE : Singapore said it was unable to change its decision of not granting clemency to an Australian, who had been sentenced to death for drug trafficking by a Singapore court.

In advising the President, Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo said the Cabinet had carefully considered all relevant factors of Nguyen Tuong Van's case.This includes his sad personal circumstances and his value as a potential source of information.

Mr Yeo said this in his letter addressed to Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.He said Singapore was unable to change its decision due to the seriousness of the offence and the need to hold firm the national position against drug trafficking.Mr Yeo stressed that it was not a decision taken lightly.

He accepted that the Australian government must try its best to help Nguyen.Singapore on its part has a responsibility to protect the people from the scourge of drug addiction which has destroyed many lives and inflicted great suffering on many families.The government also has the responsibility of preventing the country from becoming a conduit for the trafficking of illicit drugs in the region.

Mr Yeo noted that Nguyen imported almost 400 grammes of pure heroin which would have supplied more than 26,000 doses to drug addicts.Mr Yeo has also written a separate letter of reply to the Australian shadow foreign minister, Mr Kevin Rudd. - CNA/de

Channelnewsasia.com

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