Rt Hon Winston Peters

New Zealand First Leader
11 JULY 2014

Ministerial Inquiry Inadequate

The government’s ministerial inquiry into diplomatic immunity is totally inadequate, says New Zealand First Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Not only is the issue not diplomatic immunity but what happened between the court case for Diplomat Rizalman on May 10, the imposition of bail conditions, and the diplomat fleeing the country.

“Moreover, why do the terms of reference omit any reference to ministerial involvement, other than an attempt to blame officials for briefings to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister?

“In addition, this matter involves serious legal issues and someone with a legal background should be chosen to do the inquiry.

“Right now the inquiry has all hallmarks of an in-house snow job,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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