4 July 2005

The Maori Party today commented on the Zimbabwe Sporting Sanction Bill drafted by the Green Party.

“It is difficult to know the full extent of the situation in Zimbabwe given our reliance on media commentary for an accurate portrayal of the events as they unfold” said Mrs Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party.

“Our experience warns us against depending on media sources as the sole sources of authority, and has made us reluctant to comment until further information is available”.

“We are uncomfortable about the appropriateness of selecting one country out for international condemnation, when we are aware of human abuses being reported in other countries whom we are happy to trade with” stated Mrs Turia.

“The Maori Party believes that we must be consistent in our approach to all international relationships and agreements negotiated between Aotearoa and other nations” stated Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“We also believe that consideration in any such approach must not just be on sporting grounds, but also apply across trade and economic affairs as well” said Dr Sharples.

ENDS

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