US may buy NZ skyhawks, reverse military training ban

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The United States is considering a reversal of a ban on military training with New Zealand, put in place because of our anti-nuclear stance.

The ban was absurd and the US was looking to review it, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell told TV One.

The Presidential ban on military training with New Zealand was likely to remain in place but would be loosened.

"We're in the midst of a major review right now, I'd like to see the United States and New Zealand recognise some of the new parameters of the global environment that we're facing and see where we can work together."

There were still "issues" between the two countries, he said.

"The truth is this isolation (because of being nuclear-free) has not been good for New Zealand, overall it's been self-imposed.

"Over the years there have been a number of areas where New Zealand has taken a very pragmatic, very positive role, very active role and we think that has to be recognised," Dr Campbell said.

The US has also signalled New Zealand would be able to sell its Skyhawks fighter jets there.

The 17 jets were put up for sale after the Labour government decommissioned the air force's combat wing in 2001.

A private US company tentatively agreed to buy them and 17 Aermacchi jets which were also made redundant, but the process has been stalled because the transaction needs US government approval.

That approval has now come through but there were still commercial details to finalise, TV One reported.

- NZPA