Nuku'alofa, Tonga:

HE Mr 'Aloua Fetu'utolu Tupou, Tonga's former ambassador to the United Kingdom was this morning, appointed by HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV as Tonga's new Minister of Defence.

The appointment relieved the Prime Minister Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata from one of his many portfolios, the second this month. On September 2, the former Tongan Ambassador to the UN, Hon. Sonatane Tupou was appointed as Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The appointment of Hon. 'Aloua Fetu'utolu Tupou was backdated to September 13.

The Hon. Fetu...’utolu Tupou, has been the Tongan High Commissioner to the Court of St. James since May 2000. He was also Tonga's Ambassador to Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Switzerland, the European Commission and the European Economic Community.

He was the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services for 23 years from 1977 to 2000.

Colonel Fetu'utolu Tupou has been decorated with six medals: the King Taufa...’ahau Tupou IV Silver Jubilee Medal, Tonga Defence Services General Medal (Bougainville), Tonga Defence Services Meritorious Service Medal, United States Presidential Meritorious Service Medal, Tonga Defence Services Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of China Order of the Resplendent Banner with Cravat.