DHAKA: Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono believes the Australian prime minister’s latest statement over reports that Australian spies tapped his phone was ‘regrettable’.

Yudhoyono’s spokesman said on Tuesday, reports The Straits Times.

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott earlier expressed regret if the allegations caused Dr Yudhoyono any embarrassment but stopped short of apologising.

‘Of course this is regrettable, the president regretted the Australian prime minister’s response,’ presidential spokesman Julian Pasha told reporters.

BDST: 1604 HRS, NOV 19, 2013
RoR/BSK