French authorities watch, Tahiti blockades tighten

Saturday, 17 June 2006, 11:35 am
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

French authorities watch as Tahiti blockades are tightened

French Polynesian fishermen who are unhappy with the state of the industry have used their trawlers and boats to block the marine access to the port of Papeete.

The action coincides with a blockade of the only bridge to the port by a group of workers led by Rere Puputauki, who is an associate of the former president.

The French state is responsible for the freedom of movement but has not intervened despite a court ruling that the blockade is illegal.

Mr Puputauki has dismissed the call to lift the blockade, saying the French state did nothing to end the occupations in 2004 by those who are now in government.

He told RFO television previous action was tolerated.

“They also took the population hostage and they took hostage all the offices of all the services.”

The latest action has left hundreds of people out of work for a second day running and imperils supplies to the outer islands.

The fishermen have dumped a truckload of rotten fish outside the territorial assembly, a day after doing the same outside the presidential palace.

A meeting is scheduled with the territorial government to discuss the fishermen’s grievances.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ