Hon Simon Upton
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

18 July 1999

MEDIA RELEASE

Acting Foreign Minister Simon Upton said today that he was distressed to
hear of the murder of Western Samoa's Minister of Public Works, Luagalau
Levaula Kamu.

"The death means that New Zealand has lost a great friend. The death, in
such tragic circumstances, is a matter of great loss to Samoa.

"Leva had a wide network of friends in New Zealand and most recently
escorted the Governor General throughout the period of his recent visit to
Samoa.

"New Zealand conveys its deepest sympathy to the Samoan government and Mr
Leva's family for this sudden loss."

ENDS

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