Australia: Explanations on the Djokovic case

The Australian government has finally deported Novak Djokovic and is now launching a diplomatic counterattack to explain its decision following international criticism.

After being deported from Australia, the Serbian champion is theoretically not allowed to enter the country for three whole years. Does that mean he will not play in the next Australian Open either? The final decision rests with the government of the country. However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in a Sybilical statement, said that the No. 1 in the world could return to Australia before the end of three years “under the right conditions”, indicating that Djokovic should be vaccinated.

The Australian Government had been criticized for its seemingly contradictory tactics. How is it possible to issue a visa to a Serbian tennis player, but then deny him entry? Some believe that Djokovic has paid a political price for “fighting” between the local government of Victoria and the super-conservative Prime Minister Morrison. “There is no issue with the visa process,” said Home Secretary Karen Andrews. “This is a completely different process from the final entry into the country and I have said it many times. The first step to coming to Australia is to have a valid visa. The vaccination regime and the final entry requirements are not part of this process. “There is a reason for this, because the visa, from the moment it is issued, can last for years, while the entry conditions can change during this period.”

“My job is to protect the borders“

In short, the Home Secretary clarifies that, at least in times of pandemic, a visa is not enough to travel to Australia, but is only the first step in a whole series of procedures. As for the comments that Australia became “ridiculous” worldwide due to the contradictory behavior of those in charge, Karen Andrews states that she is not concerned about the issue. “I know very well the comments that are made,” he says. “But my job is to protect our borders and that is exactly what I will do, I say it with absolute sincerity.”

The baton is being taken by Foreign Minister Marise Payne to restore normalcy to relations with Serbia following critical remarks by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, but also to appease the large Serb community in Australia itself. “I am convinced that the very positive bilateral relations between Australia and Serbia will be maintained,” Marise Payne told reporters in Noura. “I am also convinced that the active Serbian diaspora will continue to play an important role in our community. I will be particularly pleased to work with my counterparts, members of the Serbian government and the country’s representative here in Australia to ensure that that’s the way it is”.

“We have clear rules“

In essence, the Australian Foreign Minister claims that her government has “clear rules” and “transparent procedures” that do not allow exceptions, and based on these data, she moved to the Djokovic case. He even claims that Belgrade shows understanding. “Mr Djokovic has left Australia,” said Marise Payne. “We have made it clear to the Serbian government and its representatives that these are the rules that apply to our system. They understand that. I think most countries understand the challenges of protecting borders in times of pandemic.”

Difficult times for Serbian tennis friends. After Djokovic left, another disappointment was caused by the exclusion of Andrea Petkovic from the first round of the Australian Open. Petkovic has German citizenship, but comes from Serbia. At the age of 34, she tried to return to the courts after a brief career as a TV presenter, but had no luck against the Czech Republic Barbora Krejcova and easily lost 2-0.

Giannis Papadimitriou (AP, DPA)

Source: Deutsche Welle