18 July 2000 Media Statement

Role for Speight sympathisers deplorable

Prime Minister Helen Clark said tonight she deplored the presence of supporters of Fijian coup leader George Speight in the new government line-up in Fiji.

"The Cabinet has delegated authority to me, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton and Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff to determine the further range of measures the New Zealand government will now take with respect to Fiji.

"Mr Speight is said to be critical of the government line-up. Somehow he seems to feel he has not achieved enough influence over the future direction of Fiji.

"The question to be asked is: how much is enough for Mr Speight? He has trashed Fiji's democratically elected government and its constitution, and has secured ministerial portfolios for his supporters.

"Newly sworn-in President Iloilo has said he will work to unite the peoples of Fiji. While those sentiments sound promising, we wait to see whether they are followed by any commitment to the restoration of democratic and constitutional government," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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