Indonesia`s embassy in Australia: "biological agent"

Indonesia's embassy in &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2003/02/18/43458.html ' target=_blank>Australia was sealed off and the staff quarantined today after a package containing what authorities described as a "biological agent" was delivered there. Officials linked the incident to outrage over the conviction in Bali of an Australian woman on drug charges.

Prime Minister &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/war/2003/03/27/45146.html ' target=_blank>John Howard, who apogized to Indonesia for the incident, said the agent was a powder sent in an envelope addressed to the Indonesian ambassador, Imron Cotan, who was not in the building, publishes the Hindy.

"It would be the first time, if the preliminary results are confirmed, such a biological agent has been sent in Australia," he told reporters.

If tests proved the powder was dangerous, he said, "it's an act of reckless indifference to human life and I apologise on behalf of the Australian people to the Indonesian embassy and to the Indonesian Government."