14 Aug 2007

Tonga's government to extend emergency powers for a ninth time

1:41 pm on 14 August 2007

The Tongan government is to extend, for a ninth time, the state of emergency on the main island of Tongatapu.

The Minister for Information, Afu'alo Matoto, says this has been confirmed by cabinet which has approved the extension for another 30 days from the end of this week.

He says if the situation remains the same, then Tongatapu could still be under emergency powers when the Forum is held in October.

The state of emergency was imposed following the riots in Nuku'alofa in November last year and Mr Matoto says police advised that it should continue.

"It's primarily because advice, which the prime minister and government has received, from the Minister of Police in particular, and from other sources, who've said whilst the country is stable and serene and peaceful, there are some underlying elements which could flare up and could cause some problems."

Afu'alo Matoto.

But, the pro-democracy movement says there is no reason to extend emergency powers and they should be lifted.