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CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 439|23 March 2012

Korean gifts linked to sea bed minerals?
The timing of the gift from the Korean government to our government of three vehicles and 16 computers is of interest given the recent developments in the area of sea bed minerals.
The gift comes at a time when Canadian company Endeavour Mining has again approached our government for an update on the status of its application for an exploratory license.
The Times understands that NZ activist Bruce Mita has also approached House of Ariki members for support regarding a proposal involving a large upfront payment.
The media release on 24 January by the DPM indicates the gift will go the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister’s Support Office. Surely the Ministry and Support Office already have these resources and would it be better if the computers were donated to schools?
Also, why would such a small Ministry require three new vehicles? If these vehicles are to be used for the Forum Leader’s meeting, surely a mini bus hired from a local company (go local) would do the same job?
Of interest is the link between these gifts and our sea bed minerals.
In his media release the DPM specifies sea bed mining as a matter where relations should be strengthened.
While the general public is fairly well acquainted with the broad outline, direction, economic and social benefits of the Canadian proposal, the exact nature of the Korean interest is somewhat “hazy.”
Government has not made it clear whether the delay in actioning the Canadian proposal is to allow the Koreans time to make submissions or whether there is still some incomplete work regarding the legal framework. While the policy framework is yet to be established, that should not be a barrier as long as the Canadians have robust procedures in place to satisfy government in the interim.
While there is an element of “openness” and transparency about the Canadian proposal, the Koreans have not yet made it clear publicly what their intentions are in respect of our sea bed mineral resources. The Koreans should at least declare their “interest” via an official public announcement. -Charles Pit

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