Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Nauru back as full Commonwealth member

Posted at 22:33 on 26 June, 2011 UTC

Nauru has been reinstated as a full member of the Commonwealth after being classed as a ’member in arrears’ for the past 8 years.

Nauru began to default on its membership contributions in 2001 because of the severe economic crisis that had hit the island.

The present government says the budget has more than doubled over the last three years, enabling it to start addressing the debt burden.

Nauru’s Foreign Affairs and Finance Minister, Dr Kieren Keke says they have been trying to normalise Nauru’s position with the Commonwealth over the past 4 years.

He says it’ll allow Nauru to once again stand shoulder to shoulder with other Commonwealth countries and to actively participate in all Commonwealth activities.

He says the change also means a full re-engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat.