Lt Col Leweni was heavily involved in the military regime’s December 2006 coup to overthrow Fiji’s last democratically-elected government.
Meanwhile, the Fijian government has admitted it’s trying to ruffle New Zealand’s feathers with the proposal.
In a provocative move bound to be unpopular in New Zealand,Cheap North Face Jacket, Fiji’s military junta has put forward one of its most notorious military men, Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni, to work in its Kiwi-based high commission.
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The office of New Zealand’s foreign minister, Murray McCully, is refusing to comment on the situation in line with its policy not to preempt diplomatic appointments. NZ not commenting on Fiji nominee |
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TAMARA MCLEAN January 27, 2010 AAP As the permanent secretary for information he has been responsible for censoring local media, deporting journalists and curbing free speech, all moves that have met with criticism from the Australian and New Zealand governments. However, it is expected that Mr McCully, who offered the additional post as an olive branch to improve strained relations between the two countries, will be less than impressed with hosting Lt Col Leweni as a diplomat. |
Land Force Commander,timberland hiking boots, Brigadier Pita Driti told Auckland’s Tarana Radio on Wednesday that his government had put forward his name for the position of counsellor at the High Commission as a “test” for New Zealand.
“We don’t comment on these appointments,” a spokesman told AAP.
“We consider it confidential until such point as the agreement’s been signed off.”
The New Zealand government is keeping mum on news Fiji has picked a controversial senior coup figure to represent the Pacific nation in Wellington.
His name is also on a list of people banned from even entering the two countries,uggs, let alone working there.
“We are just testing New Zealand’s genuity you know, in having to arrange certain names to see how far they can accommodate what we want and if they accept Leweni, it’s a great move,” Brigadier Driti said.