Government decides to sign Southeast Asian treaty

New Zealand has decided in principle to sign a friendship treaty with Southeast Asian nations, the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, said yesterday.

Signing - or announcing an intent to do so - is required for countries to participate in an East Asian Summit this year.

The Treaty of Amity and Co-operation, signed by the founding members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) in 1976, has been described as a non-aggression pact, but Helen Clark said the Government believed it would not constrain New Zealand's foreign policy.

"It does not restrict our right to make comment on matters of human rights and democracy."

Helen Clark said the Government would submit the text of the treaty to Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and trade committee.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has resisted signing the agreement, putting his Government at odds with Southeast Asia.

- NZPA