Sutton backs off arm-twisting comment

Trade Minister Jim Sutton has had second thoughts about describing the US as twisting the arm of the United Nations over Iraq.

Yesterday, he was quoted as saying that if the UN sanctioned a war against Iraq it would "be as a result of a huge campaign of arm-twisting by the United States".

But last night he said his use of the term "arm-twisting" had been a poor choice of words.

He said he would prefer to say "an energetic diplomatic campaign was under way".

In his original comments, Mr Sutton also said the US stance on Iraq could sour relations with Europe.

This would damage moves to free world trade and hurt New Zealand prospects of greater market access for its exports.

"It's hard to envisage any significant further progress in trade liberalisation occurring without an accommodation occurring between the European Union and the US," he said.

National leader Bill English said Mr Sutton's comments were a "rude rebuff" to the United States and the United Nations Security Council.

The comments contradicted previous Government statements and were at odds with Prime Minister Helen Clark's views on the subject.

- NZPA

Herald feature: Iraq