Australia, Indonesia could finalize prisoner exchange agreement soon: minister

Australian Justice Minister Chris Ellison on Thursday said a delayed prisoner exchange agreement between Australia and Indonesia could be finalized early next year.

The final date of the completion of the deal had been extended from June to September because of differences between the two countries.

Ellison said he spoke with his Indonesian counterpart last month and expects the deal will be signed very soon.

"We're looking to settle this agreement early in the new year," Ellison told the Nine Network television.

"We're very keen to proceed with it and the Indonesians are as well," he said.

He said once the agreement is finalized the transfers will take place soon after, and prisoners like Schapelle Corby and the Bali Nine, Australian citizens who were sentenced in Indonesia on charges of drug trafficking, could be included.

"Certainly they could be eligible, any Australian in an Indonesian prison could be eligible, providing the length of time they're serving and there will be other terms which will have to be met," said the minister.

Source: Xinhua