NZ troops in Iraq by mid-year, says PM

By AUDREY YOUNG political editor

New Zealand troops could be in Iraq by mid-winter as part of a stabilisation force, possibly under Nato command, if the United Nations approves such a force.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said resolutions were being drafted and could be before the Security Council within four weeks.

She said yesterday after her return from Europe and Britain that New Zealand would be an enthusiastic participant in the post-war effort, beyond the mine-clearing and humanitarian aid already offered.

"We are not being passive. We're being very active in discussion with a lot of people.

"It is understood by the UK and by the US that a lot of nations are willing to help, but they are looking for some kind of multilateral cover."

She expected that "room of some kind will be created for those who have the kinds of concerns that we have".

"At the point that the space is created to do more, we will do more."

Britain is leading diplomatic efforts to get Security Council approval that could satisfy opponents of the war, but other pro-war allies are restrained.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard, on a red-carpet visit to the United States, said: "The UN should have a role where appropriate, but that has to recognise the reality that the coalition did the heavy lifting."

Mr Howard received a standing ovation at the Yankees baseball stadium in New York.

Defence Minister Mark Burton said yesterday no specific request had been made to New Zealand.

But it could respond in a number of ways, as required.

After New Zealand's participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor, considerable effort had gone into "regeneration" of its defence forces.

The can-do attitude is a contrast to earlier Government views, which not only disapproved of the war but would not endorse anything but a United Nations-led peacekeeping force.

The softening began soon after Helen Clark apologised to US President George W. Bush for suggesting the war would not have happened under a Democrat presidency.

The new tack was reinforced yesterday when Helen Clark made several references to the possibility of a Nato-led force.

"There is discussion around ... as to whether there might be some mandated role for Nato, for example," she said.

"New Zealand has worked alongside Nato in the past. We're not a stranger to that."

US Secretary of State Colin Powell last week referred to the possibility of Nato being involved.

* An Air Force Orion is to leave New Zealand on Sunday to work with the anti-terrorism operation Enduring Freedom in the Gulf of Oman.

It will join the frigate Te Mana in surveillance duties, and will be there until November.

Mr Burton would not say where the aircraft's 40 Air Force personnel would be based, at the request of the host nation, but it is thought to be the United Arab Emirates.

Herald Feature: Iraq