SL asylum seekers not welcome in NZ

11 July 2011 05:35 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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The Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key says 85 Sri Lankan asylum seekers who have been detained on their way to New Zealand are “not welcome”.

The asylum seekers were detained by Indonesian police and have been anchored in the waters of Tanjung Pinang since Saturday. They are reportedly refusing to abandon ship.

Passengers on board the ship have been photographed holding signs reading “We like to go to New Zealand”, “Our future life is in New Zealand” and “We need New Zealand”.

John Key said that he was aware of the asylum seekers’ situation, but that New Zealand would not be helping. “I understand that some of those asylum seekers are holding flags or signs that say they might want to come to New Zealand, and our very simple message to them is they are not welcome”.

They claim that they are not illegal immigrants but refugees who need New Zealand’s help, and have also requested the assistance of the United Nations. (threenews.com)

Comments - 12

lal Monday, 11 July 2011 05:56 AM

The conflict is over, there is peace in Sri Lanka now. The govt. should send a representative and welcome the people back with assrance of their safety. This will solve the problem and enhance the image of the nation.

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Adam Brown Monday, 11 July 2011 06:07 AM

Asylum after 2 years of no war? and genuine refugees? wonder what they had in mind?

18 103

Nyala Monday, 11 July 2011 06:08 AM

Hold a board and seek asylum!!!

10 34

GreenBlood Monday, 11 July 2011 06:18 AM

please take them, it'll be a great help for Sri Lanka

13 54

Bumba Monday, 11 July 2011 06:19 AM

These are economic refugees, not political. It is because of the poor economic state of Sri Lanka.

19 73

Ari Monday, 11 July 2011 06:17 AM

The simple truth is they are in pursuit of greener pastures and not safety.

10 105

Lanka Monday, 11 July 2011 06:40 AM

Very Good !!!!!!!! Highly appreciate !!!!!!!!!

6 27

kit Monday, 11 July 2011 06:46 AM

He understand whats happening with UK and Canada. Their politicians have being bribe and they have become corrupt in their countries. Good move by New Zealand prime minister not to welcome those seekers. They are uneducated trouble makers and those peace loving people will have a horrid time with theses rascals.

12 66

simple sam Monday, 11 July 2011 08:44 AM

but we sri lankans dont want them either!!!

10 38

Dakuna Monday, 11 July 2011 08:47 AM

PM has understood the difference between genuine regugee and an economic refugee. Good on you sir!

8 49

lal Monday, 11 July 2011 12:33 PM

There are innocent little chidren amongst them. Lets be compassionate and show the world what the tripple gem means, and sinhala people are really like. Conflict is over, time to reconcile and take moral highground. Forget NZ, they are an isolated and culturally backward island.

16 9

gayan Monday, 11 July 2011 03:38 PM

Ship them off to UK or canada. They entertain these types of economic refuges for political/vote purposes.

7 16

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