Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
NZ To Send Observers For East Timor Ballot
22 June 1999
MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Foreign Minister Don McKinnon today announced that New Zealand would send a small group of people to East Timor to observe and monitor the United Nations sponsored ballot on East Timor's future.
"I am talking to the major political parties about nominations they may wish to make for people to undertake this mission in East Timor, and I anticipate announcing who will be going shortly."
Mr McKinnon said that the observer group would probably include New Zealand MP's.
"I have had expressions of interest from some MPs, and they will be considered along with other nominations I have received.
"It is important that New Zealand continues to show its commitment to a free and fair ballot in East Timor.
"With 10 New Zealand police officers already in East Timor and five Defence Force personnel and two electoral experts ready to depart, sending people specifically dedicated to monitoring the ballot will further signal New Zealand's commitment to a peaceful resolution to the East Timor issue," Mr McKinnon said.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
People Against Prisons Aotearoa: 'Expect Resistance' - Community Group Pushes Back Against More Cops With Guns
Greenpeace: New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
Stats NZ: National Population Estimates: At 30 September 2024 (2018-base)
