Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Continued serious threats prompt extension of Tonga’s state of emergency

Posted at 01:36 on 18 September, 2007 UTC

For the tenth time the Tongan Government has extended a state of emergency covering parts of the main island of Tongatapu.

The state of emergency was first proclaimed immediately after the riot of November 16th last year.

In a statement the Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele, says public order continues to be seriously threatened and the Police and Defence Services will be able to exercise emergency powers in a demarcated zone until the 13th of October.

The Prime Minister does not give any indication of the nature of the threat.

The first meetings associated with the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit begin in the Tonga capital on October 12th.