Prime Minister denies recall tied to threats

The Government denies the withdrawal of a Defence Force medical team and Hercules aircraft from tsunami-hit Indonesia has anything to do with terrorist threats.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday the pullout was in line with Australia's withdrawal and should be completed within a week.

A 32-strong medical team has been working in the devastated town of Banda Aceh and a Hercules transport plane has been making relief flights between the Aceh province and Jakarta after the Boxing Day tsunami.

The withdrawal comes as officials in both Australia and New Zealand warn of possible terrorist attacks against foreign aid workers helping tsunami relief efforts in Aceh and northern Sumatra.

But Helen Clark says the withdrawal and the terrorism threats were "completely unconnected".

She said Cabinet committees considered advice about the withdrawal last Wednesday; news of the terrorism threat only came through late on Friday.

The team was being withdrawn because the Government assessed that the relief phase was coming to an end, she said. The next phase was reconstruction.

Helen Clark said a police forensic team was still working in tsunami-hit Thailand.

She said the withdrawal of New Zealand forces was in line with the Australian withdrawal.

A Defence Force spokeswoman said the medical team and Hercules should arrive back on Friday or Saturday.

Australian Associated Press reported yesterday that both Indonesia and the United States said they were not aware of the threat towards foreign helpers in Aceh.

Prime Minister John Howard, in Wellington for a brief visit, said he had discussed the matter with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Australia was maintaining its warning.

"We act on advice that we get; we didn't issue that travel advisory lightly and we stand by it," he said.

"I don't intend to say any more than that."

A spokesman for Foreign Minister Phil Goff said the upgraded warning about travel had been based on Australian advice.

"We decided to act immediately, just as they did."

The spokesman was not aware of the reports that Indonesia and the US were questioning the increased threat.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advisory on Saturday, advising against all non-essential travel as terrorists might be planning attacks against foreigners involved in tsunami relief work.

Aid workers should not go there unless the agency they work for had a "robust security plan" approved by Indonesian authorities.

The ministry also warned New Zealanders to defer non-essential and tourist travel to other parts of Indonesia including Bali, Batam and Bintan.

Heading home

* Leaving Indonesia on Friday or Saturday:A 32-strong Defence Force medical team, due to arrive back at Ohakea Air Base

* A C130 Hercules and 33-strong detachment should arrive home at Whenuapai Air Base