Politics not wanted

Press, 30 August 1978, Page 1

Politics not wanted

PA Wellington Private visitors to New Zealand were, expected to refrain from political activities, the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Talboys) told Parliament yesterday. He was replying to a question from Mr T. J. Young (Lab., Hutt) about the controversial proposed visit of the leader of East Timor Independence Movement (Fretilin), Mr Jose Ramos Horta.

Mr Young had asked if it was correct that if the Labour Party invited Mr Horta to New Zealand the Government would consider whether he should even be allowed entry and, if so, how often Government decisions of this

nature were influenced by stands taken by other political parties? Mr Tai boys replied that the Government decided for itself what persons from other countries should be allowed to enter New Zealand.

“We have already said we are prepared to let Mr Horta come to New Zealand in a private capacity but private visitors are expected to refrain from political activities,” he said.

“If the Labour Party insists on associating itself with Mr Horta’s visit it will be more difficult for him to avoid getting involved in New Zealand politics.” The Labour spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr W. W. Freer (Mt Albert), asked Mr Taiboys if the

Government was satisfied it had all the information it needed on East Timor.

Mr Taiboys replied that the Government had “useful and valuable” reports from the New Zealand Ambassador in Jakarta. At the United Nations beadquarters in New York, Mr Horta said that if the Government would allow him into New Zealand in the first week of November he would treat the visit as “strictly private.” He would not make public speeches or give news conferences to publicise the Fretilin cause. At present the Government had imposed two conditions on his visit: that he not come until after the General Election and that he make no public appearances.