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NUKU'ALOFA - Tonga's king has pledged to move ahead with democratic change in the Pacific nation despite deadly rioting in the capital last week.
In a speech closing the parliamentary session in Nuku'alofa, King George Tupou V told dignitaries that differences among reform proposals could be resolved.
He also deplored the violence of last Thursday's rioting which killed at least six people and called for those responsible to be firmly dealt with.
Australian and New Zealand troops in Tonga to help enforce a state of emergency were not stationed near the parliament building inside Nuku'alofa's tightly restricted city centre.
"All the proposals that are now in the public arena have the same ultimate aim - a more democratic form of parliament and government but appropriate for Tonga - about which we all agree," King George said.
"The differences among these various proposals are not irreconcilable and can be resolved through dialogue."
The king said the cost of rebuilding the city centre mostly destroyed by fires would be at least US$200 million ($302 million).
"We have to rebuild our sense of mutual responsibility to each other so that never again will we see violence, arson, looting, death - and such shame.
"The justice system will do its work and distinguish between lawful protest and unlawful activities, and to deal with them firmly and speedily according to law.
"Instigators of violence and crime must be dealt with firmly."
After the ceremony democracy movement leader 'Akilisi Pohiva welcomed the call for further dialogue. However one noble member of parliament boycotted the event saying he did not want to sit alongside terrorists, referring to pro-democracy MPs.
- AAP
