Orion to boost NZ's effort in war on terror

Defence Minister Mark Burton has updated details on the involvement of New Zealand Defence Force personnel in the "war on terror", again denying they have anything to do with a possible war on Iraq.

As part of the United States-led Operation Enduring Freedom, in response to the September 11 atrocities on the US, the Government agreed to send a frigate and an Orion aircraft to join the campaign being waged on the seas. It also sent special forces troops to Afghanistan.

Mr Burton said the group on the frigate would remain in place until June, monitoring shipping and, if necessary, "detaining al Qaeda and Taleban personnel". There were "a number" of shore-based support staff.

An Air Force Orion is to join the effort for six months from April "to provide maritime surveillance support".

A Hercules could also be sent this year. It could be used for up to three months "to move coalition personnel and stores in and around Afghanistan".

The staff at the base in Bagram were involved in the command and control of all coalition operations in Afghanistan, under the auspices of the UN Security Council.

Four New Zealand staff officers in Kabul were involved in maintaining stability in the city to assist the transitional Afghani Government.

- NZPA