NZ ready to offer peacekeepers for Mideast

New Zealand would be keen to contribute peacekeepers if the "road map" to peace between Palestinians and Israel was implemented.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday said a settlement in the Middle East would be a major breakthrough.

"We have had peacekeepers in the region for around 20 years or so ... and if there is a role we could play ... we would certainly be very keen to assist," the spokesman said.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff was reported as officially making the offer during talks with the Israeli foreign affairs minister. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has praised Israel's provisional acceptance of the road map.

Israeli premier Ariel Sharon "has indicated he has some questions ... but the fact that he has accepted is a positive development".

- NZPA