PM gets National blessing on pact

By FRAN O'SULLIVAN AND NZPA

Prime Minister Helen Clark had pocketed a written commitment from National before she told powerful Southeast Asian leaders this week that New Zealand was likely to sign Asean's controversial non-aggression pact.

Helen Clark yesterday revealed she wanted to ensure there was broad "middle ground" support for the move within Parliament before signalling Asean leaders that - unlike Australia - New Zealand viewed the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in a neutral light.

This is the second time the Prime Minister has assured herself of National's support before going public on a sensitive diplomatic issue. Earlier this year, National leader Don Brash was briefed on security aspects of the "Mossad agents affair" before Helen Clark issued strong diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff was appointed to talk to his National counterpart, Lockwood Smith, on the matter before the Prime Minister went to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, for the Asean leaders' summit.

Herald inquiries disclose Mr Smith discussed the issue with Mr Brash before writing back to Mr Goff, "I can confirm the National Opposition is comfortable with the Government's intended advice to the Asean leaders and considers the proposed wording of that advice to be appropriate."

Mr Smith yesterday cautioned that while National was comfortable with the position, it would want to see more detail before giving its final approval to the expected signing.

The Government will submit the treaty to Parliament's foreign affairs and trade committee for discussion. Committee chairman Peter Dunne was also briefed and gave his approval for Helen Clark's comments in advance.

At the summit, Helen Clark and Australian Prime Minister John Howard stood together on trade but took a different approach to diplomacy. Her move to sign the non-aggression pact was welcomed, but Mr Howard received a polite but cool response to his refusal to accede.

Some Southeast Asian leaders have been wary of Mr Howard because he has reserved the right to launch pre-emptive strikes in the region against suspected terrorists.