Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/4528-legality-of-the-importation-of-phosphate-from-western-sahara on November 22, 2024 10:03

Legality of the importation of phosphate from Western Sahara

Michael Dobson made this Official Information request to Minister of Foreign Affairs

The request was partially successful.

From: Michael Dobson

Dear Minister of Foreign Affairs,

I refer to your letter of 3 May 2016 to Michael Barton, subsequently made public by him, regarding New Zealand's phosphate imports. In that letter you state:

"Our understanding is that New Zealand companies importing phosphate from Western Sahara are doing so in accordance with international law."

I hereby request any and all written information relied upon in making this statement, including but not limited to:

any legal advice, whether generated within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or obtained externally, relied upon in making this statement; and

any assessment of the factual situation prevailing in Moroccan controlled-Western Sahara relied upon in making this statement.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Dobson

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From: M McCully (MIN)

On behalf of Hon Murray McCully, thank you for your email.  Your
correspondence has been noted.

 

Please be aware that the Minister receives a large volume
of correspondence every day which means we cannot always respond as
rapidly as some email users may anticipate.  

 

While the minister considers all correspondence to be important, if you
are writing to express a personal view, your opinion will be noted but a
response beyond this acknowledgement may not necessarily be sent.

 

Kind regards,

The Office of Hon Murray McCully

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From: Sarah Boyce
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Dear Michael Dobson

On behalf of Hon Murray McCully thank you for your Official Information Act request of 31 August 2016.

You will receive a reply within 20 working days as required by the Act.

Yours sincerely
Sarah Boyce
Office of Hon Murray McCully

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From: Sarah Boyce
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Attachment 27092016160116 0001.pdf
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Attachment 27092016160945 0001.pdf
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Dear Mr Dobson

 

Please find attached correspondence from Hon Murray McCully in response to
your Official Information Act request of 31 August 2016.

 

Yours sincerely

Sarah Boyce

Office of Hon Murray McCully

 

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