Clinton lets Anzus force get together

By John Armstrong

political editor

New Zealand has secured a major breakthrough in repairing defence ties with Washington, with President Clinton agreeing to resume military exercises on a "case-by-case" basis.

The first opportunity will come in days, with the President saying that United States, Australian and New Zealand personnel will exercise with troops from other Southeast Asian countries in readiness for the dangerous peacekeeping mission in East Timor.

The breakthrough came during bilateral talks yesterday in Christchurch between Bill Clinton and the Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley.

Others present included the President's national security adviser, Sandy Berger; the Minister of Defence, Max Bradford; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don McKinnon; and the New Zealand Ambassador to Washington, Jim Bolger.

The resumption of exercises is the last major element of the relationship to be repaired after Anzus was fractured in the 1980s by New Zealand's anti-nuclear legislation.

The ban has considerably weakened the Defence Force's ability to operate with armed forces from other countries and has frustrated the Australians, who have to conduct separate exercises with their two major defence partners.

The United States' stance has also become increasingly inconsistent, with New Zealand frigates patrolling the Gulf alongside US vessels.

New Zealand ministers and officials long argued for the ban to be dropped, but met stiff resistance from the Pentagon, especially the United States Navy, which is most affected by New Zealand's no-go on port visits by nuclear-powered ships.

Asked about other exercises with New Zealand apart from the Timor operation, Mr Clinton replied: "I would deal with them on a case-by-case basis."

His comments indicate that the United States will progressively allow New Zealand to take part in multilateral exercises with its regional allies.

Mr McKinnon said the decision was "a nice step forward," although it was initially "ring-fenced" to peacekeeping.

"To be effective on the ground, you've got to have a high degree of inter-operability and that will enhance that."

Mr Bradford said the President's announcement did not amount to a full resumption of multilateral exercises, but it was a breakthrough.

The Labour leader, Helen Clark, had a 40-minute meeting with Mr Clinton last night, much of which was taken up with East Timor.