30 Jul 2014

NZ to raise concerns with Nauru over suspended MPs

7:29 pm on 30 July 2014

New Zealand's Foreign Minister says he plans to meet the President of Nauru during this week's leaders summit to discuss his concerns about the suspension of a group of opposition MPs.

Murray McCully speaking to reporters on Wednesday,

New Zealand's foreign minister, Murray McCully Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

The five MPs suspended from Nauru's parliament continue to remain in limbo as they wait to challenge their suspensions.

The MPs were stripped of their entitlements, offices and salaries for speaking out against the current regime.

Murray McCully says the New Zealand Government, which is the largest donor to Nauru's justice sector, is concerned about the situation and he will meeting Nauru's president Baron Waqa.

"The more recent reports about the suspension of members of parliament are worrying to us. While we are funding he justice sector, we obviously cannot disconnect democracy and the rule of law from the operation of the justice system, and that connection I will be raising quite directly."

New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Murray McCully.