October 17, 2007                                        News You Can Trust!!                                      Volume 7

US Supports Tonga’s Transition to Democracy

In an address to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific, Glyn Davies, outlined the United States policies for the South Pacific. The US is obviously concerned with the recent instability in the Pacific especially in Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga. The “cheque book” diplomacy by China and Taiwan is also a concern so the US is looking to strengthen its alliances with the small Pacific states.

More importantly, Australia and New Zealand are critical to providing a steady influence in the region.

With regards to Tonga, the Deputy Assistant Secretary made reference to the riots last year but is supportive of the transition efforts to democracy. The US also has close military ties with Tonga because of the Tongan troops deployed in Iraq so additional assistance maybe provided.

“In Tonga, with the passing of the King and last year’s riots in Nuku’alofa, we are working with our friends to help the Tongan people make the transition to democracy. Tonga recently redeployed troops to support the Coalition in Iraq, and we are looking for ways to provide them with additional assistance.

Support for democracy will be the primary goal of my visit next month to both Fiji and Tonga.”

from the Kele'a newspaper