NZ to help in Iraq mine clearing

By FRAN O'SULLIVAN assistant editor

New Zealand is poised to play a role in mine clearing in the post-war clean-up in Iraq.

The Government has also been sounded out - along with many other nations - to contribute to a $2 billion United Nations fund for the reconstruction effort.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said New Zealand's role had still to be clarified.

"Everyone is trying to work out a way in which they can help despite not having been part of a war and not being part of an occupying force," she said.

"It's a question of the platform and that's what a lot of minds have been exercised [around] around a lot of capitals.

"We have already been sounded out about mine clearance and given informal positive indications.

"So we're ready to help."

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said he was sure the United States needed a multilateral involvement in post-war Iraq.

"The United States is the only superpower economically and militarily," he said. "But I am sure the United States does not want to take on singe-handedly the role of trying to create a new administration in Iraq and will want to have a mandate from a multilateral organisation."

Herald Feature: Iraq war