23 Dec 2015

Nauru's Waqa slams foreign media, again

7:21 pm on 23 December 2015

Nauru's president has used his Christmas message to again lash out at foreign media, saying his government has had a successful year that has brought stability and prosperity.

Baron Waqa, President of Nauru

Baron Waqa, President of Nauru Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta

Baron Waqa says his administration has withstood political pressure and taken bold steps to reform the government and strengthen democracy.

Mr Waqa says this is despite lies spread by foreign media who he says continue a dishonest political campaign to try and influence Nauru's domestic politics.

The government last year suspended most of the opposition MPs, and several now face criminal charges after anti-government protests in June, steps which have drawn international concern.

However, Mr Waqa says his government has the support of the people of Nauru, and the country will enter a new year without the burden of corruption and cronyism.

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