NZ Prime Minister John Key has been questioned by New Zealand’s Newstalk ZB on why he did not hit back at Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama after he made a strong statement on Fiji’s stand on a number on issues including the ban on some NZ journalists.
Key maintains that he kept calm because he is thinking of the long term relationship with Fiji.
He stresses that NZ does not have any regrets in imposing sanctions on Fiji after the December 2006 coup.
Key was questioned again on why he did not hit back as the Newstalk ZB journalist said that Fiji needs New Zealand and they should be asked to tow the line if they want NZ aid.
Bainimarama said last week that the Fijian government wants to rebuild and redefine its official relationship with New Zealand.
He says for all the closeness at a people‑to‑people level, Fiji seeks a new political relationship with New Zealand that is more equal.
Bainimarama also says that there appears to be a substantial body of opinion in New Zealand led by its generally hostile media which says that what has happened in Fiji somehow lacks legitimacy.
He says Fiji has moved on but it would appear that the New Zealand media has not.
