‘Democracy shattered’
The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, said in Parliament. yesterday that the coup had shattered the democratic position of the South Pacific. Also shattered was the illusion of political stability in the region, he said.
The overwhelming implication of the coup was yet to be grasped by New Zealanders. There appeared likely to be a military Government established in Fiji. He hoped talks could lead to a return to Parliamentary democracy.
“That option is probably going to be dashed.” Mr Bolger said the military take-over had thrown a new ingredient into political instability in the South Pacific. Previously Soviet and Libyan intrusions were of concern. Now there had been an indigenous uprising. Mr Bolger expressed strong hopes that no outside Power would seek to exploit the situation.
He said it was a time for calm heads and steady nerves in New Zealand as the implications of the coup were assessed.
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Press, 15 May 1987, Page 3
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153‘Democracy shattered’ Press, 15 May 1987, Page 3
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