The Australian government on Tuesday warned Australian travelers against continued threat posed by international terrorism in the lead up to the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reissued the travel advice for Indonesia and the General Advice to Australian Travelers on Tuesday.

"We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks," Downer said in a statement.

"Australians should be aware that terrorists do not discriminate between official and civilian targets and are willing to use a variety of tactics such as bombings, kidnappings and hijackings to carry out their deadly objectives," Downer said.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, he said, adding embassies and government buildings as well as other locations where foreigners congregate including churches, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers are all possible terrorist targets.

Downer recommended Australians check the country specific travel advice for destinations they might be visiting during the festive season for information about the risks travelers may face overseas.

The travel advice for Indonesia continues to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali, where 88 Australians were killed in a terrorist attack in 2002.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2004)