SL asylum seekers not welcome in NZ

11 Jul 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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)

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SL asylum seekers not welcome in NZ

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