Maori Party calls for ethical investment in fisheries
Following the revelations in New Zealand press that the fishing company Sealord is involved in marketing fish from occupied Western Sahara, the Maori Party now reacts. Sealord is half Maori owned. "We encourage Maori shareholders to raise the issue with Sealord's directors and encourage them to review their investment decision accordingly", Maori Party says.
Hone Harawira, Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson 8 May 2008
Maori Party Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson Hone Harawira (picture) says public scrutiny of Sealord's investments in north-west Africa is a good thing.
"We support the Sahrawi people's rights to self-determination in Western Sahara, and endorse the UN's calls for the illegal Moroccan occupation to end," said Mr Harawira.
“The International Court of Justice recommended in 1975 that the United Nations should continue to pursue self-determination for the Sahrawis, and yet for over thirty years the Sahrawi people have endured a harsh, alienating economic environment and social isolation," he said.
"Just as New Zealand has sought to honour its responsibilities as a global citizen in the Myanmar crisis, so too it is appropriate that we respect and support the opportunity for the Sahrawi people to be self-determining”.
"The Maori Party also supports the principles of fair trade and ethical investment. Given the clear risk that Sealord is involved in marketing fish caught illegally and unsustainably in Western Saharan waters by Moroccan interests, we would encourage Maori shareholders to raise the issue with Sealord's directors and encourage them to review their investment decision accordingly," said Mr Harawira.
For info contact: Andrew Robb, Maori Party Media adviser 029- 482 8494
Morocco occupies the major part of its neighbouring country, Western Sahara. Entering into business deals with Moroccan companies or authorities in the occupied territories gives an impression of political legitimacy to the occupation. It also gives job opportunities to Moroccan settlers and income to the Moroccan government. Western Sahara Resource Watch demands foreign companies leave Western Sahara until a solution to the conflict is found.
Maori Party Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson Hone Harawira (picture) says public scrutiny of Sealord's investments in north-west Africa is a good thing. 
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