Pacific / Nauru

Nauru welcomes meeting with NZ's McCully

17:39 pm on 8 July 2015

The Nauru government says it welcomes the chance to speak to New Zealand's Foreign Minister at a meeting in Sydney this week.

The Minister Murray McCully sought talks with Nauru's president Baron Waqa following escalating concerns about human rights and the rule of law on the island.

In a statement the Nauru government said it is disappointed by comments from some New Zealand MPs over the continuation of much-needed funding and it says it is willing to discuss the issue.

President of Nauru, Baron Waqa Photo: Supplied

Last week New Zealand's parliament passed a unanimous motion expressing concerns over events in Nauru which include moves against opposition MPs.

Nauru stressed its thanks to New Zealand for aid to its judicial system and for border protection.

The Justice Minister David Adeang said some officials are making rash comments without understanding the facts.

He denied there has been a breakdown in democracy or any other turmoil and says most Nauruans support its stance.

He also reiterated the MPs who are before the courts would get a fair trial.