Nauru refuses to accept refugees against their will

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has refused to accept any asylum seekers that are forcibly removed from an Australian navy ship to a makeshift detention centre on the island.

The Australian navy rescued the 217 mostly Palestinian and Iraqi refugees from an Indonesian boat and began taking them to Nauru.

However, the refugees have refused to disembark until they are taken to Australia. Yesterday, Australian Defence Minister Peter Reith authorised the army to forcibly remove 12 men believed to be leaders of the group.

Soldiers in full battle dress hauled the men ashore, despite vociferous protests about their poor treatment.

"We are not criminals, we are refugees," one shouted.

However, the Nauru Government demanded that the soldiers stop the operation and said it would not accept refugees who are taken to the island against their will.

Nauru initially agreed to accept the refugees after Australian Prime Minister John Howard offered the island nation immediate economic aid.