HEADLINES & NEWS
FIJI SIMMERS WITH DISQUIET
Unrest is continuing in Fiji today despite the settlement reached between coup leader George Speight and the military last night. Yesterday, Fiji's military rulers agreed to a solution which would bring about the safe release of the 27 hostages who have been captive since Speight and his supporters took over Parliament on May 19th. Mr Speight and his supporters have been guaranteed immunity from prosecution in the deal which should see the hostages freed on Thursday this week. Our reporter Andrew McRae is in Suva and he joins me now. LIVE
The Foreign Minister Phil Goff says New Zealand is waiting to see if George [illegible] terrorists are involved in the new government before deciding on the appropriate response. The United States has recalled its ambassador to Fiji, but Mr Goff today indicated New Zealand is unlikely to follow that course of action. AUDIO
INQUIRY TOLD CONCERN ABOUT CANCER WAS ALARMIST
AUDIO Dr Diane van de Mark, the specialist obstetrician gynaecologist at Gisborne hospital, giving evidence today at the cervical cancer inquiry in Gisborne. She expressed her frustration that despite publicly voicing her concerns about two years ago over the high rate of cervical cancer in the region, other health professionals told her she was being alarmist. Heugh Chappell is at the inquiry and joins me now. LIVE
BUSINESS NEWS with GILES BECKFORD
FIFA VOTE FALLOUT CONTINUES
The controversial soccer administrator Charlie Dempsey has publically outlined his reasons for abstaining from the vote on the World Cup Host nation. His decision led to Germany winning the right over South Africa, and has caused a [illegible] and political storm in South Africa, New Zealand and around the world. Mr Dempsey told a news conference this morning that he abstained from the vote to protect the Oceania Football Confederation. Our reporter Alison Wallbridge was at the press conference and she joins me now. LIVE
Joining me now is the Chief Executive of Soccer New Zealand, Bill McGowan
5.30 NEWS HEADLINES
SPORT with CHRIS REID
VIDEO CENSORSHIP BREACHES BILL OF RIGHTS?
In an unusual censorship case an importer of videos used by church-orientated groups is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn a decision by censorship officials and the High Court that found videos about Gay rights and Aids objectionable. The importer Living Word Distributors has submitted the finding breaches the right to freedom of expression guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Our Court Reporter Merle Nowland has been following the case and joins me now.
PKG
LEGAL LOOPHOLE DUE TO MIS-LABELLING
The Police Minister George Hawkins has expressed frustration at the discovery of a legal loophole which could mean thousands of drink drivers could avoid being convicted. Last week, the Auckland District Court threw out a drink driving case because the blood-alcohol testing kit used was mislabelled. Mr Hawkins has called for a report on ways to plug the loophole. Here's political reporter Mark Torley. PKG
VISITING SCIENTIST LAUNCHES PETITION
A visiting Indian plant scientist is launching an international petition at a biotechnology conference in Auckland this week, promoting the use of biotechnology in agriculture. CS Prakash, from Tuskegee University in Atlanta, is in New Zealand at the invitation of the Life Sciences Network, which represents the biotechnology industry here. He's also criticised the moritorium on field trials of genetically engineered crops, put in place while the Royal Commission conducts its inquiry into gene technology. I asked Professor Prakash what he hopes to achieve with the petition, which has already been signed by 2-thousand-700 international scientists. PREREC
[illegible] COMPANY UNIONS QUESTIONED
The spotlight's been thrown on union organisations after the the Warehouse announced plans to establish its own union, to represent Warehouse employees. The company says the move follows staff concerns about their employment status following the introduction of new labour laws later this year. Our reporter Blair McLaren has been looking into the practicalities and likelihood of such company-based unions becoming a feature of the industrial landscape. PKG
WARNING OF VIOLENCE IF PEACE TALKS FAIL
Israeli Prime Minisiter Ehud Barak has vowed a political crisis at home will not keep him away from this week's Middle East peace summit in the United States.
The Prime Minister's coalition collapsed when three key parties quit the government - leaving him without a majority and facing a vote of no confidence in Parliament. Meanwhile the United States is warning violence is a real possibility should the Camp David talks fail. Steve Mort reports from Washington. PKG
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