There is a civil war in Syria to deal with and peace talks in the Middle East, but first things first - happy Waitangi Day to New Zealand.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, who was sworn in last week, surprised some when his first public statement was addressed to the people of New Zealand, congratulating them on the "anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi", he said. "This is an opportunity to reflect upon New Zealand's unique culture and diverse heritage and to celebrate the promise of the future as new generations carry on your rich traditions."
The Washington Post ran an article with the headline: "John Kerry's first act at State: Hail New Zealand!"
The newspaper suggested: "Perhaps thinking that he'd start out with the easy stuff - the way one eases into a workout with a few shoulder rolls - the newly minted SecState's very first public statement addressed the crucial issues of congratulating the people of New Zealand ..."
Kerry, who replaced Hillary Clinton, said earlier this week he was focused on ending war and making the world safer.
