News and Current Affairs.
Main Stories:
Fiji’s Foreign Minister has arrived in Wellington amidst protests at Wellington airport. The Government says the visit is unofficial and does not recognise the Rambuka regime, but some Fijian Indians here feel it is a step in that direction. Speaker: Filipe Bole (Fiji Foreign Minister).
Sir Francis (Frank) Renouf has sought to defuse reports of tension between himself and Bruce Judge. Renouf is interviewed. Speaker: Sir Francis Renouf (Director, Renouf Corporation).
Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke is due to visit New Zealand tomorrow. Hawke’s visit and the Trans-Tasman talks that will be conducted are backgrounded. Speakers: David Lange (Prime Minister), Don Rowlands (President NZ Manufacturers Federation), Jim Bolger (Leader of the Opposition).
Bob Hawke gave a rare interview to Bill Ralston on the eve of his trip and discussed military relations, CER and his thoughts on Rogernomics and David Lange. Speaker: Bob Hawke (Australian Prime Minister).
Other Stories:
It appears a strike by domestic workers in hospitals around the country will go ahead, despite an injunction by the Labour Court.
An appeal has been launched in Hamilton to try to save the life of a two year old boy in Hamilton who needs a new liver. Speakers: Ian Chibnall (Father), Dr David Bourchier (Paediatrician).
In Wellington patients who refuse to take an HIV/AIDS test before surgery might find themselves going without some treatment. A top surgeon claims he has the right to refuse a patient suspected of having AIDS. Draft guidelines on the ethics of treating such patients have been sent to 5000 doctors around the country and already appear to be causing some controversy. Speaker: Professor William Isbister (Wellington Hospital).
The final report of the committee investigating the Iran-Contra scandal says President Reagan violated the United States Constitution and broke the law by providing aid to the Nicaraguan rebels.
American and Soviet arms negotiations have ended three days of intense talks in Geneva without finalising an arms treaty text. But officials remain optimistic it will be ready in time for next months superpower summit. Speaker: Max Kampelman (Chief US Arms Negotiator).
Prince Charles and Lady Diana went to Northern Ireland today in a morale building exercise for the survivors of the Enniskillen bombing.
The Red Cross says it needs millions of dollars to stop the Ethiopian famine becoming far worse.
The New Zealand share market followed Wall Street and fell 50 points today.
Worldwatch:
The congressional report on the Iran-Contra scandal is due to be released in hours but some of the content has been leaked in advance. The reports findings are examined. The compelling testimony of Colonel Oliver North is also recounted. Speakers: John Walcott (Wall Street Journal), Senator George Mitchell (Democrat, Maine), Lt Colonel Oliver North (Marine Corp), Admiral John Poindexter (Former National Security Adviser).
Meanwhile time is running out to reach an agreement to cut the United States budget deficit. President Reagan’s opposition to tax increases remains the major stumbling block. The OECD has been meeting in Paris to discuss the global financial turmoil.
The problem of ‘high-tech orphans’: children who require expensive medical treatment.