NZ ready to assist Tonga settle tensions [1]
Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 16:15. Updated on Friday, September 6, 2013 - 12:08.
"Should parties in Tonga regard it as helpful, we would be more than happy to assist with a mediator to facilitate the parties reaching agreement," he said in a press release.
"New Zealand would be pleased to work alongside other friends of Tonga, including Britain, Australia, the Commonwealth and the Forum Secretariat to respond to any request for assistance from Tonga."
Mr Goff said the burning of four government cars and the trashing of a school were worrying indications of the level of tension in Tonga.
"It is important in the current situation for steps to be take to resolve the long-running public sector strike, which has contributed to this tension.
"We urge all parties to avoid actions or comments that may be inflammatory. This applies to outsiders as well as those involved in the dispute," he said.