5 Aug 2004

Opposition wants Samoa's PM to raise travel problems

3:25 pm on 5 August 2004

The opposition Samoa Democratic United Party has urged the Prime Minister not to be afraid of his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand but to ask for greater access for Samoans into their countries.

Just over a month ago, thousands of Samoans marched in Apia in support of their demand that New Zealand re-instate visa free travel.

The opposition's Asiata Saleimoa Vaai says the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi shouldn't be a coward and raise the matter.

A group calling for New Zealand to repeal the law that prevent thousands of Samoans to become New Zealand citizens says they planned to give Helen Clark a traditional greeting.

But police have declined to give the group a permit.