12 December 2000 Media Statement

Government To Examine Select Committee Recommendations

The Government will examine recommendations of the Justice and Electoral Select Committee resulting from an inquiry into policing of protests during a visit by Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

People's Republic of China President, Jiang Zemin, arrived in New Zealand on 9 September 1999 for the APEC conference and a State visit that concluded on 15 September 1999.

Acting Minister of Police, Hon. Paul Swain said: "The Report will be considered in its detail by the Minister of Police on his return from Australia on Thursday.

"The Government views seriously the criticisms of Police conduct around the President Jiang Zemin protests," Paul Swain said.

"On his return from Australia, the Minister of Police will seek an early meeting with the Commissioner and senior police staff to discuss the guidelines for policing demonstrations.

"The Government agrees with the report that the right to freedom of expression is of paramount importance," Paul Swain said.

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