NEW ZEALAND: NIGERIA SUSPENDED FROM THE COMMONWEALTH UPDATE скачать в хорошем качестве

NEW ZEALAND: NIGERIA SUSPENDED FROM THE COMMONWEALTH UPDATE

(11 Nov 1995) English/Nat Nigeria has been suspended from the Commonwealth. The unprecedented action was taken by leaders of the 52 nation organisation meeting in New Zealand. It follows the execution by Nigeria's military government of the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists for the minority Ogoni tribe. Greatly angered by Nigeria's blatant snub to international pressure, Commonwealth leaders had little option but to suspend the country from the association. Gathered at a mountain resort for an informal break from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, they quickly made their decision. It was announced by the meeting's chairman. SOUNDBITE:( English) " In response to developments in Nigeria that have constituted a serious violation of principles set out in the Harare commonwealth declaration. Commonwealth Heads of Government with the exception of the Gambia and Solomon islands agree to suspend Nigeria from membership of the Commonwealth pending the return to compliance of the principles of the Harare declaration. They further decided that no demonstrative progress was made towards the fulfillment of these conditions within a time frame to be stipulated - Nigeria will be expelled from the association". SUPER CAPTION: Jim Bolger, New Zealand Prime Minister The Suspension also had the full support of the Commonwealth's Secretary General, a Nigerian himself. SOUNDBITE: "Well I have consistently spoken about developments in Nigeria I have not hesitated to exercise the responsibilities of my office nor have I hesitated to make it quite clear that I would naturally want my country to perform better than this ." SUPER CAPTION: Chief Emeka Anayaoku, Secretary General of the Commonwealth The hangings in Nigeria have dominated the CHOGM gathering in New Zealand. Nigeria's delegation is also at the mountain retreat, but will now have no further role in the CHOGM meeting. Their decision to carry out the death sentences on Ken Saro-Wiwa has not only alienated them, but also reflected poorly on Nelson Mandela. The South African President has been reluctant to condemn the Nigerian military government, but defended his position. SOUNDBITE: Q"Sir do you think with the benefit of hindsight that South Africa should have done more, that its softly line was not the correct approach?" A"No that's a certain misconception. My conscience is now clear because I did everything to resolve this matter through persuasive diplomacy and now that method failed it is absolutely necessary to take firm action". SUPER CAPTION: Nelson Mandela, South African president Though leaders might hope they can now get on with other business, protestors are determined to keep the Nigerian issue to the fore. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...