Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr yesterday directly raised concerns regarding Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor with Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister, Muhamed Aziz.

Senator Carr said Mr Aziz confirmed in a telephone call that Ms Taylor is being held by Libyan authorities in Zintan and would be detained pending further inquiries.

"I raised Australia's concern for Ms Taylor's welfare and Mr Aziz assured me that she is safe and well.

"I emphasised our strong interest in seeing the matter resolved quickly and urged Mr Aziz to facilitate full consular access to Ms Taylor.

"Last night I also spoke to the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Song to confirm that everything possible was being done on Ms Taylor's behalf and for three other ICC colleague's with her.

"An ICC team is in Libya to engage directly with authorities on the matter.

"We expect that direct contact be made with Ms Taylor by the ICC team as quickly as possible," Senator Carr said.

Senator Carr also confirmed that he had spoken last night to Ms Taylor's husband and had assured him that every effort would be made regarding consular support.

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