Press told not to exaggerate death

DENPASAR, Bali: Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave has asked the press not to blow up news concerning the death of an Australian tourist in Bali.

Joop said here Thursday that such deaths could occur at anytime and anyplace in the world, including Australia itself.

He said that as a major tourist destination, Bali had so far managed to maintain an image of being a comparatively safe place.

He called on the press to make objective reports about the case and said that: "In Australia maybe 100 people are murdered, but nobody reports on them. Maybe because its normal," as quoted by Antara.

Australian A. Bernard Betes, 75, was found dead in his hotel room in Legian, Kuta, on Nov. 5. He was found with stab wounds to the left side of his neck. (09)