NZ urged to boycott Bali

NZ urged to boycott Bali

AUCKLAND (AFP): New Zealand tourists are being urged to boycott the Indonesian resort of Bali because of events in East Timor.

Auckland organizers of a "Boycott Bali Campaign" have been picketing Indonesian airline Garuda at Auckland International Airport, calling for tourists to stay away from the island resort until Indonesian police and troops withdraw from East Timor.

The campaign reportedly has been backed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta, an East Timorese resistance leader.

Tourists have been advised to keep a low profile.

James Funnell, spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs and trade, said: "I don't want people thinking that they've got to slink around and stay in hotel rooms."

"But it is fairly clear there have been a few protests and general anger directed at the countries involved in the United Nations peacekeeping effort there."

Some travel agents say they are asking customers to think twice before going to Indonesia.