TONGA’S JUSTICE MINISTER, ATTORNEY GENERAL RESIGNS

TONGA’S JUSTICE MINISTER, ATTORNEY GENERAL RESIGNS Likely to see separate AG and Minister from now on

NUKU΄ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, June 1, 2009) - The resignation of Tonga's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, 'Alisi Afeaki Taumoepeau, became effective today, three years after she was appointed to the post.

No reason was given for the resignation and 'Alisi was not available today for comment but a press release stated that she had "agreed to resign."

"My resignation is effective from May 31, 2009.

"As regards the reasons for my agreeing to resign, I have with courtesy and respect made it clear that the issue of confidence is mutual," she stated.

'Alisi was appointed as the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice in 2006, taking over from the Hon. Siaosi 'Aho who then became the Minister of Police. Until recently she was Tonga's only woman cabinet minister.

Since Tonga first established the post of Attorney General and Minister of Justice in 1988, three out of the four Ministers have been told to resign. 'Alisi's forced resignation is the third.

Tonga's first Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Tevita Tupou, appointed in January 1988, was eventually asked to resign, and so was his successor, 'Aisea Taumoepeau ('Alisi's husband). The Hon. Siaosi 'Aho took over from 'Aisea as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice until 2006 when he was made the Minister of Police and 'Alisi was appointed as the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice.

A replacement has yet to be named. It is widely expected that the position of Attorney General is now to be separated from the portfolio of a Minister of Justice, and that a foreigner might be brought in as a new Attorney General.