SI oppos. calls for MP to be sacked over IWC vote

Thursday, 22 June 2006, 7:03 pm
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Solomons opposition calls for minister to be sacked over IWC vote

The Solomon Islands opposition has called on the Prime Minister to sack the fisheries minister for not conforming with cabinet decisions.

The fisheries minister , Nollen Leni, voted in support for Japan at the International Whaling Commission although the cabinet had decided that Solomon Islands abstain from voting.

The opposition says cabinet ministers who want to deviate from a cabinet decision must seek approval or face dismissal.

Last year, the then fisheries minister, Paul Maenu’u, was sacked by the prime minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, after going against the official government line at the IWC meeting in South Korea.

This year’s vote was supported by Solomon Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Palau and it could give a go ahead to commercial whaling.

© Scoop Media

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