Auckland

Reward for Condoleezza Rice's Arrest

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand students protesting the Iraq war offered a reward to anyone who carries out a citizen's arrest of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her visit to the country Friday.

The Auckland University Students' Association is seeking Rice's arrest for her role in "overseeing the illegal invasion and continued occupation" of Iraq, Association President David Do said. The group is offering a $3,700 reward.

Rice is making her first trip to New Zealand after attending a Southeast Asian security forum in Singapore. She is scheduled to arrive from Australia late Friday and fly out early Sunday.

U.S. officials traveling with her said that they were aware of the threat but that it won't affect Rice's plans.

But police in Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, warned that "anyone who attempts to penetrate the police lines of security around the secretary will not be allowed to follow through with their plan."

District Commander Superintendent Brett England said "the consequences of such a security threat could be very serious indeed."

On Saturday, Rice will hold talks with Prime Minister Helen Clark and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, meet with business leaders and attend an official dinner.

Rice is due to fly to Samoa early Sunday for meetings with South Pacific foreign ministers, seen by observers as an important event for the South Pacific region — an area where the U.S. has pledged to strengthen its level of engagement.

(photo from - http://morningchuhi.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/condole... )


WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand students protesting the Iraq war offered a reward to anyone who carries out a citizen's arr... more

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