Australian Troops Take Control of Norwegian Freighter

Australian Troops Take Control of Norwegian Freighter

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Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, says the Norwegian freighter with more than 430 asylum seekers on board is now in the control of Australian Special Air Service troops, ABC reports Wednesday.

He's told Parliament the Tampa defied a clear communciation from the Australian Government not to enter Australian waters.

He also says the Tampa's action was in contravention of clear advice from Australia to the Norweigan Government.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, is said to have spoken to the Norwegian Government last night, warning if Australian waters were entered, the ship would be stopped and boarded.

Mr Howard says the government instructed the defence force chief to arrange for defence personnel to board the vessel and the instruction was executed by units of the elite S-A-S.

The prime minister has also spoken to the Norwegian Foreign Minister.

Mr Howard says the Government has told the company which owns the Tampa the ship should return to international waters.