15 Jun 2006

Legal action in Tonga against opening of Parliament withdrawn

7:10 am on 15 June 2006

The case over whether the Opening of Tonga's Legislative Assembly by the Princess Regent Pilolevu earlier this month was legal has been withdrawn.

The civil action by Tonga's Noble Lasike and eight People's Representatives, claimed the constitution calls for the king to open Parliament.

But, the group have now submitted in writing their wish to not continue their court action.

The lawyer for the group, Clive Edwards says the decision was agreed to by all of those who filed the charges.

He says the point of who is wrong and who is right will be addressed later.

But, he says the fact is, the people's representatives need to look at one of the most important issues in the House which is the Budget estimates.