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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2007 - 12:46:40 AM |
The Fiji rugby side's presence in Wellington has prompted the New Zealand government to ban the traditional pre-match parade through its 'windy' capital.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald Sports Minister Trevor Mallard confirmed Parliament was a no-go zone for the parade and that he would not attend any games involving the Fijians as a sign of protest.
Interim Sports Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi said he did not want to comment on the issue and reserved his comments till after the interim cabinet's second meeting this morning.
"I would rather comment on that later today, after our cabinet meeting this morning," Vayeshnoi told Fijilive.com this morning.
Efforts to obtain comments from Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua proved futile as his mobile remained unanswered this morning.
The past seven years of the Wellington sevens parade has seen the New Zealand government host the 16 teams in Parliament where Mallard speaks before a parade through the streets of its capital, but not this year.
"The Government is not hosting the start of the Sevens parade as it was felt that is was inappropriate to do so, given the participation of the Fijian team in the tournament, and our Government's serious concerns over the military takeover of Fiji and the ousting of its democratically elected Government by the army." Mallard told the New Zealand Herald news website.
He said Fiji government and military officials would not be granted visas to enter New Zealand to watch the Sevens.
He said the same approach had been taken in 2001 after the 2000 coup in Fiji.
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