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International leaders condemn Indonesian executions

International leaders have spoken out to condemn the execution of eight drug convicts in Indonesia.

Political leaders in Australia and Brazil have threatened to cut ties with the country, while UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has voiced "deep regret", saying the death penalty had "no place" in the 21st century.

Indonesia has confirmed the convicts - including the two Australian ringleaders of a smuggling group known as the 'Bali Nine' - were executed by a firing squad while one, Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso from the Philippines, was spared.

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Australia recalls Indonesian ambassador after executions

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Credit: APTN

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said he is recalling the nation's ambassador to Indonesia in protest against the execution of two Australian drug smugglers.

"We respect Indonesia's sovereignty but we do deplore what's been done and this cannot be simply business as usual, Abbott said.

"I want to stress that this is a very important relationship between Australia and Indonesia but it has suffered as a result of what's been done over the last few hours."

Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were executed by firing squad along with six other drug convicts from several countries shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

Ambassador Paul Gibson will return to Australia at the end of the week, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

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International leaders condemn Indonesian executions

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