15 Jan 2004

French Polynesia delays aid ship to Niue

11:10 am on 15 January 2004

The government of French Polynesia has delayed the planned departure of a ship with relief supplies to Niue.

The Tahiti Nui was scheduled to leave for the cyclone-stricken island tomorrow.

A statement says a date for its departure will be known after today's meeting of the council of ministers.

Earlier this week, the vice-president, Edouard Fritch, pledged to give one million US dollars worth of reconstruction assistance.

Towns around Tahiti have meanwhile launched a clothes appeal for the victims of Cyclone Heta which in Niue claimed two lives.