Nauru Government sets the record straight
The
President of the Republic of Nauru has rejected media reports that
the country has abused the rule of law and that recent decisions to
replace its magistrate and chief justice were politically
motivated.Calling the criticism of Nauru an "attack on our
sovereignty", President Baron Waqa said Nauru has the same right as
Australia and other nations to decide who holds key positions and
who is allowed to work in the country.
He also
explained that recent deportation orders were part of the
Government's commitment to restore accountability, transparency and
the proper management of Nauru's legal system.
"My
government won the last election by making a commitment to the
Nauruan people that we would clean up the cronyism and corruption
that has been allowed to flourish for too long," he said in a
statement.
"We
have a clear mandate to achieve this goal and will not accept
unfounded criticism from beyond our shores by people who are not
aware of the facts."
The
President revealed that some people appointed from overseas,
predominantly from Australia, have engaged in "unacceptable conduct
that compromised their roles".
"There
have been clear conflicts of interest and disregard for the laws of
our nation.
"It is
ironic that we are being criticised for demanding integrity and
honesty, and for making normal decisions every government makes
around the appointment of key personnel," he said.
President
Waqa said the Government will replace the magistrate with a
qualified, independent legal expert.
"The
rule of law is respected in Nauru, as is the democratic process.
Any insinuation to the contrary is false."