General

Secret translation of Nauruan president’s interview on NZYQ deal with Australia to stay suppressed for decade

In a recent development regarding diplomatic communications, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has clarified that a translation of Nauruan President Russ Kun’s commentary on the NZYQ deal was prepared by an unaccredited translator and was intended solely for internal use. This translation, which has been deemed top secret, will remain suppressed for a decade following the Albanese government’s assessment that its release would be “inappropriate.” This decision underscores the delicate nature of international relations and the importance of accurate translation in diplomatic discourse.

The controversy stems from a 10-minute public interview that President Kun conducted in February, which was uploaded to Facebook. Despite the Australian High Commission’s efforts to provide an informal translation, Nauru did not endorse this version nor did it offer its own official translation. The lack of a formal translation from Nauru raises questions about the clarity and interpretation of the president’s statements regarding the NZYQ deal, which involves significant diplomatic and economic implications for both countries. Wong’s comments highlight the complexities of translation in international relations, where nuances can significantly impact diplomatic ties and public perception. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the suppression of this translation will affect the broader context of Australia-Nauru relations and the ongoing discussions surrounding the NZYQ deal.