4 June 2021, Apia Samoa. The leaders of the two political parties at the centre of Samoa’s political crisis met yesterday afternoon, and according to Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi, there would be further negotiations with another meeting set for Monday next week.
Speaking on his weekly Radio 2AP programme, the leader of HRPP acknowledged the FAST leader and deputy leader, as well as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei for what he says, was a good start to negotiations that Tuilaepa says, aims to find a solution to the current political unrest.
“Ia maua se finagalo autasi mo se faaiuga filemu i le tulaga o loo iai nei gasegase a Malo”.
The meeting follows the latest Court decision, handed down by the Court of Appeal upholding a Supreme Court ruling that the appointment of Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau is void. Without the additional women’s seat, Samoa’s general elections results once again, stands at 26 FAST to 25 HRPP.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Sa’o Faapitoa for the opportunity to discuss issues following the Court decision but did not elaborate.
“We exchanged views, they told us what their views are, and I expressed our side,” said Tuilaepa, “but the issues are delicate and would need more than one meeting”.
“These types of discussions on difficult issues could take 4 or 5 sessions,” he added.
Tuilaepa said it was an amicable discussion, over a cup of tea, and as leaders, they would now take what was discussed back to their respective parties for members’ views, before meeting again next Monday 7 June 2021.
“They were able to express their views about the case, and I also gave them what our position was,” said Tuilaepa. “I am about to go and meet with our members to convey what was discussed.”
FAST leader and Prime Minister Elect Fiame Naomi Mataafa has not made a public statement since the talks. SGN have contacted the Sao Faapito for comments regarding the discussions.
