11.15.2005
Clark Applies Brakes on US Talks (NZHerald.co.nz)
15.11.05
By Audrey Young
Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday dampened suggestions that New Zealand was willing to take part in a comprehensive review of its relationship with the United States.
The possibility of improving relations with Washington has been talked up by the new Foreign Minister, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, in response to a farewell speech by former ambassador Charles Swindells citing US concerns about a lack of trust in the relationship.
But Helen Clark yesterday made it clear she was not as enthusiastic as Mr Peters in improving the relationship or embracing the "comprehensive dialogue" sought by the Americans.
She dismissed a suggestion last week by incoming ambassador Bill McCormick that in terms of the review, the ball was now in New Zealand's court.
"We responded [to Mr Swindells]. We are always happy to have a dialogue, so the ball's in everybody's court, I guess."
Helen Clark also dismissed a suggestion that what the Americans were proposing was a mutual review of the relationship. She painted it as a one-sided concern, seated in New Zealand's anti-nuclear law.
(More ... Clark applies brakes on US talks - 15 Nov 2005 - National News) ¶ 15:15
By Audrey Young
Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday dampened suggestions that New Zealand was willing to take part in a comprehensive review of its relationship with the United States.
The possibility of improving relations with Washington has been talked up by the new Foreign Minister, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, in response to a farewell speech by former ambassador Charles Swindells citing US concerns about a lack of trust in the relationship.
But Helen Clark yesterday made it clear she was not as enthusiastic as Mr Peters in improving the relationship or embracing the "comprehensive dialogue" sought by the Americans.
She dismissed a suggestion last week by incoming ambassador Bill McCormick that in terms of the review, the ball was now in New Zealand's court.
"We responded [to Mr Swindells]. We are always happy to have a dialogue, so the ball's in everybody's court, I guess."
Helen Clark also dismissed a suggestion that what the Americans were proposing was a mutual review of the relationship. She painted it as a one-sided concern, seated in New Zealand's anti-nuclear law.
(More ... Clark applies brakes on US talks - 15 Nov 2005 - National News) ¶ 15:15
