Nothing to be proud of here.
To
borrow from a Cold War phrase, New Zealand has become a "lapdog of US
imperialism" - I can think of a less polite epIthet!
How long before the NZ government lifts its ban on nuclear-powered ships?
US
lifts ban on NZ Navy visiting its ports
The
United States has lifted a ban on New Zealand Defence Force vessels
visiting American ports, further thawing relations after a 26-year
stand-off on nuclear issues.
22
September, 2012
American
Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta made the announcement on Friday
afternoon following talks with New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan
Coleman in Auckland.
Mr
Panetta says while the two countries continue to have differences in
limited areas, today is about affirming a new course has been set in
the relationship.
He
says restrictions on talks between defence officials and on military
exercises are being removed, and New Zealand Navy ships will once
again be able to visit US defence or coast guard facilities in the US
and around the world.
The
Defence Secretary says differences in policy - a reference to New
Zealand's anti-nuclear stance - will not stand in the way of greater
engagement on security issues.
Mr
Panetta described New Zealand as a true friend of the United States.
Dr
Coleman told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint lifting the ban showed
relations between the two countries were returning to pre-1986
levels.
He
expects the ban to be lifted immediately.
However,
Dr Coleman says New Zealand has no plans to change its anti-nuclear
policy.
"Look
the US is comfortable with that and they understand that, but
absolutely no talk of any change in our anti nuclear stance."
Talks at Government House
Mr
Panetta was welcomed at Government House in Auckland with a powhiri
before talks with Dr Coleman and Foreign Affairs Minister Murray
McCully.
Later
he laid a wreath at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and presented
medals to New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have served in
Afghanistan.
He
also expressed his condolences for the recent deaths of New Zealand
defence personnel in Afghanistan.
The
Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Richard Rhys Jones says the
relationship with the United States is in a good place.
He
says there will be a few exercises each year with the US to build New
Zealand's amphibious capability so defence staff are skilled at
working between ships, helicopters and vehicles.
Mr
Panetta's visit is the first by the top person in the Pentagon in 30
years.
The
invitation to visit New Zealand came after the signing of the
Washington Declaration, which aims to strengthen political and
defence co-operation, in June this year.
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