NZ PM to No Longer Comment on Qarase Conversations

There are revelations today that NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark will not make any more comments about her conversations with ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on or before December 5th, 2006.

As the Fiji police awaits the assistance of Interpol to get the statements of Clark and Australian Prime Minister John Howard in relation to earlier statements that Qarase had requested for foreign intervention, the NZ Prime Minister's office has made it clear that she will not assist.

A spokesperson for Clark told the NZ Herald that no approach has been made to the NZ Prime Minister. However, the spokesperson said Clark will not be making any further comment on her conversations with Qarase as she believes that there was nothing in the conversations that would substantiate a treason charge.

The Fiji Police Force has repeatedly asked Interpol to obtain information from the Prime Ministers about Qarase's alleged request to them for foreign intervention at the time of the coup.

Under the Penal Code, any person who instigates foreign intervention into the country is liable for treason.