Australian lawmaker links trade dispute with asylum seekers

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s deputy prime minister has come under fire for suggesting that a temporary ban on cattle exports to Indonesia five years ago hindered ties with Jakarta that contributed to an influx of asylum seekers reaching Australian shores by boats from Indonesian ports.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce linked the 2011 events during a campaign debate on agricultural policies Wednesday night ahead of elections on July 2.
The Indonesian Embassy denied any li