High Commissioner Defends NZ Aid In Fiji

Barrett Defends NZ Aid In Fiji

Source: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation

SUVA: New Zealand's high commissioner to Fiji, Tia Barrett says his
country's assistance to Fiji hasn't changed from that provided under the
previous government, Radio Fiji reports.

Barrett was replying to an Opposition press statement which expressed
concern about the misuse of foreign aid.

Barrett says they recently held annual talks with the Fiji government on
the shape of New Zealand's development assistance programme.

Barrett adds that agreement was reached on a range of activities and
they don't include the Land Use Commission as claimed by the Opposition.

The activities however include funding the Citizens Constitutional Forum
to enable them to undertake multi-cultural educational programmes which
are of benefit to all sectors of the Fiji community and flow from the
intention of Fiji's Constitution.

Barrett says that funding had been agreed to by the previous government
and New Zealand.

On the assistance for the Education Commission, Barrett says it's based
on New Zealand's long association with Fiji through the provision of
teachers, training and advice on educational matters.

A New Zealand representative will be based on the Education Commission
which will review Fiji's education system.

Article provided by the Journalism Programmme, University of the South Pacific. Pasifik Nius.

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