Peters cuts off prominent US senator at briefing

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has interrupted a prominent US senator, during a question-and-answer session with reporters in Washington.

Senator John McCain was speaking with reporters prior to going into a meeting with Mr Peters - and had agreed to take questions.

The Republican politician - seen by many as a potential presidential candidate in 2008 - was outlining his agenda for the talks when Mr Peters interrupted, saying the agreement had been for journalists to ask just two questions.

The senator was in the middle of telling reporters about free trade when Mr Peters intervened. Trade is an area Mr Peters is supposed to leave to Trade Minister and former Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff.

Today's meeting with Senator McCain was a precursor to Mr Peters' meeting tomorrow with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper said Mr Peters had a number of other appointments to keep in Washington, including a discussion with National Security Adviser Steven Hadley.

He said in many ways the meeting with Senator McCain was more important in the long-term than tomorrow's discussions with Dr Rice.

- NEWSTALK ZB