The Australian Federal Police denies having blood on its hands over the impending executions of Bali Nine drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
But it says it will provide a detailed explanation of the events that led to their arrests.
Authorities in Indonesia have begun final preparations for the transfer of Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 33, from Bali to another island for execution, possibly within days.
The role the AFP played in the events that led to their arrests in 2005, along with seven other Australians, for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali have caused outrage and demands for a full explanation.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton says that while Australian authorities did have a role in the arrests of the Bali Nine, he rejects suggestions it was to blame for Chan and Sukumaran being on death row.
The AFP has been criticised for telling Indonesian counterparts about the Bali Nine plot, which triggered their arrests before they left Indonesia rather than on their arrival in Australia.
"The AFP doesn't have blood on its hands," he said on Friday in Sydney.
"But the timing around any statement is most important and it's our view at the moment that we best not talk about that matter publicly until these current clemency matters are dealt with."
The comments come amid 11th-hour efforts to appeal for the men to be spared from the firing squad with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop describing the situation as "tense".
Mr Ashton says the AFP will have more to say if the executions are carried out.
"We don't want to say anything that is going to potentially negatively influence that effort," he said.
"But at the right time we will and we'll say a fair bit about it."
Mr Ashton said he felt for the families of the two men.
"You wouldn't be human if you didn't have compassion for what the families are going through in that situation.
"But I won't be drawn into comment on the AFP's position and role in it at this time."
Brazil and The Netherlands recalled their ambassadors in protest at executions of their citizens in January.
However, Justice Minister Michael Keenan on Friday said it was premature to talk about possible sanctions if the Australians are put to death.
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