29 Aug 2006

Samoa PM dismisses claims attorney general's move links to former minister's case

5:54 am on 29 August 2006

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has dismissed claims that the attorney general and the assistant attorney general's decision to resign has any links to the recent court case of one of his former cabinet minister.

The attorney general, Brenda Heather Latu, had earlier said that criticism of her office's negligence in handling the former minister's case is a contributing factor.

Tuila'epa said on SBC Television last night that his government had full respect for the independent of the attorney general's office in opinions and views on legal issues.

The prime minister said it was not easy for his government to accept the resignations of attorney general Brenda Heather Latu and assistant attorney general, Vaitimu Daryl Clarke.