Dr Wayne Mapp MP National Party Immigration Spokesman

22 December 2003

Let's Just Get On With The Ahmed Zaoui Case

"On the day there's a world-wide warning about terrorist activity, it's absurd that we in New Zealand are still arguing about how to deal with the Ahmed Zaoui case," says National Party Immigration spokesman Wayne Mapp.

"The Inspector General of Security, Justice Greig, should be allowed to get on with his job. The direction by Justice Williamson to provide a non-classified summary should also guide Mr Zaoui's lawyers.

"It is time for them to prepare their case - not go through another round of litigation to remove Justice Greig.

"Taxpaying New Zealanders have every right to start asking whether enough time, effort and money has already been spent on this matter.

"Ultimately the decision by the independent Inspector General of Security should determine the outcome of this case.

"The National Security Certificate will be upheld, in which case Mr Zaoui should leave New Zealand or it will be rejected and Mr Zaoui will stay.

"Either way, Mr Zaoui will have had full due process of law - at enormous cost to the taxpayer," says Dr Mapp.

Ends

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