World Leaders Arrive – East Timor – East Timor (Darwin) – Scott Watson Verdict

LEADERS ARRIVE:

The two most powerful men in the world arrive in Auckland. Air Force One lands in Auckland, Chelsea, Bill and his mother-in-law greeted by a haka party and Pacific culture performance. Bill and Burton exchange smiles. Jenny Shipley in the President’s ear.

As the motorcade leaves the roads are lined with sight-seers. Security in the form of helicopter is very obvious overhead. Sightseers pleased with the brief glimpses they saw. “He’s so tall”, says one.

Clinton takes back entrance to Stamford Plaza Hotel disappointing those waiting at the front.

Also flying in today the Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Also greeted by a cultural performance but no hongi.

Between them the two leaders represent 1.5 billion people.

Clinton goes shopping in Parnell – as enthusiastic shoppers . Boy has cap-gun confiscated by secret service. Clintons have coffee then go to glass shop. Those who shook Bill’s hand are delighted. “I said welcome to New Zealand Mr President”, says one.

Shopping jaunt a short break before back to business – East Timor and Chinese bilateral summit.

EAST TIMOR:

Frightened faces of East Timorese fleeing under the cover of darkness.

Don McKinnon says a vice of diplomacy is tightening on Indonesia.

John Howard delivers a stern warning.

President Habibe insists he can control the crisis and looks cheerful on phone to Kofi Annan. UN increasingly frustrated at unwillingness of Indonesia to accept peace-keepers.. Kofi Annan talks about crimes against humanity in New York.

UN team in East Timor today to observe. So much rests on this man – pictured - General Wiranto.

EAST TIMOR – DARWIN:

Terror continues in East Timor. UN staff reach the safety of Darwin and are very relieved. Three military liason officers from New Zealand evacuated – five Kiwis remain.

They say that Dili is gutted, smouldering.

500 East Timorese evacuees are being housed in tent city on outskirts of Darwin.

Latest news from compound – quiet night – seems to be a lull before the observers mission.

SCOTT WASTSON VERDICT:

In NZ First the verdict was carried love by TVNZ. Watson found guilty on two counts of murder. Wheels of justice move slowly for the family. Father of Olivia Hope says the jury has done the judicial system lots of good. Ben Smart’s father says he is thankful that this phase is over. He would still like to know where the bodies of the two teenagers were disposed up. Police thanked by the officer in charge. Ben’s older sister overjoyed. Watson muttered the words “you’re wrong” as the verdict is read. Judge thanks jury.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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