M134

12 November 1995

Nigeria: Recall of the Australian High Commissioner

Nigeria: Recall of the Australian High Commissioner

The Australian Government strongly condemns the execution in Nigeria of Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) despite international pleas for clemency.

In response to the action by the Nigerian Government, and in line with the Commonwealth Heads of Government decision to suspend Nigeria from its membership of the Commonwealth, the Australian Government today recalled the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Howard Brown, to Canberra for consultations.

Mr Brown will return to Canberra without delay. I will take a decision on Mr Brown's return to Nigeria after I have discussed the situation in Nigeria with him.

Melbourne