28 November 2006

Media Advisory

Keith Locke : visit to Tonga

Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Keith Locke is leaving this
afternoon on a short fact-finding trip to Tonga, and will be returning
to New Zealand on Thursday, 30 November.

Mr Locke was a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select
Committee that conducted an "Inquiry into New Zealand's relationship
with the Kingdom of Tonga." The committee reported to Parliament in
August 2005..

"I'll be talking to some of the Tongan MPs, government officials and
members of the pro-democracy movement to get a picture of the
democratic reform process, and what is the best way New Zealand can
help, both politically and in the form of aid.

"I will also be interested to see how Tongans view the presence of New
Zealand soldiers and Police, and how long those forces should stay," Mr
Locke says.

What : Keith Locke MP, fact finding visit to Tonga
When : Tuesday, 28 November - Thursday, 30 November
Where : Tonga

Ends

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