Vic: Gillespie stays mum on daughter's visit

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2006
Vic: Gillespie stays mum on daughter's visit

MELBOURNE, April 5 AAP - The woman at the centre of one of Australia's most notorious
custody battles says she is "joyful" at being reunited with the daughter taken from her
14 years ago.

Jacqueline Gillespie, had her two children, Shahirah and Iddin, snatched away by their
father, Malaysian prince, Raja Bahrin, in 1992.

But Shahirah, now 21, returned to Melbourne at the weekend to join her mother at the
Hawthorn home she shares with her new husband Bill Cocaris.

Reading a statement outside their home today, Mr Cocaris said his wife, now known by
her maiden name of Jacqueline Pascarl, wished to thank the media and others who had supported
her.

"Jacqueline Pascarl and her daughter Shahirah would like to express their appreciation
for your good wishes and support.

"They wish you to know that they are very, very happy - joyful in fact.

"This is, however, a very private time and sensitive indeed for the family and they
ask you to understand and respect the need for restraint and privacy.

"There'll be no further comment or questions at this time."

Neighbours say they have seen the mother and daughter outside the house.

"Apparently they were very happy, they were holding hands and taking lots of photos,"

the Nine Network reported.

Ms Pascarl married Raja Bahrin in 1980, and they had two children who were born in Malaysia.

She returned to Australia with the children after the prince took a second wife under
Islamic law, but in 1992 he smuggled the children out of Australia during an access visit.

The case became one of the most high-profile custody battles in Australian history,
adding to what was then a strained relationship between Australia and Malaysia as federal
authorities tried unsuccessfully to return the children to Australia.

AAP kl/mh/cjh/nf

KEYWORD: GILLESPIE LEAD

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