New Zealand Executive Government News Release Archive

Foreign Minister Don McKinnon, having read the Slater Report, said he is
pleased the Cook Islands have no problem with Mr Slater QC appearing before the
Davison Commission.

I have sent a copy of the Report to Sir Ronald Davison, but it will be for the
Commission to decide whether the information in it might be used in its own
inquiry, Mr McKinnon said.

The two inquiries are quite separate, both in terms of their constitution and
their terms of reference.

We have long urged the Cooks to cooperate with Sir Ronalds inquiry and this
report shows that the Cook Islands Government has at least acknowledged it
needs to address some of the fundamental questions at stake - thats a positive
development, he said.

Mr McKinnon noted it is not appropriate for him to comment on the substance of
the report.

Inquiries: Suse Reynolds Press Secretary ph (04) 471 9811

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