Winston Peters quits as New Zealand FM

Source: Xinhua | 08-29-2008 16:02

WELLINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Friday that Winston Peters has stepped down as foreign minister and other ministerial portfolios.

Clark told a press conference in Auckland that she would take over the foreign minister role and his other portfolios.

Clark made the announcement following her meeting with Peters, who also serves as New Zealand First party leader, at a private residence in Auckland on Friday afternoon.

They discussed Peters' future in Cabinet, following the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announcing it has launched an investigation into donations made to New Zealand First.

Clark told reporters that Peters will return to his roles as Foreign and Racing Minister if he is cleared by the SFO.

Clark said Peters had asked her and she had agreed to be acting minister in each of his portfolios.

The NZ First party leader was Foreign Affairs, Racing and Associate Senior Citizens Minister outside Cabinet under his party's support agreement with the government.