US welcomes decision to send New Zealand troops

8.30am

The Government won praise from the United States today for deciding to send troops and army engineers to Afghanistan and Iraq.

The State Department's comments reversed previous criticism of Prime Minister Helen Clark's attitude, although opposition parties continued to claim it was too late for the relationship to be repaired.

The Prime Minister announced yesterday that about 60 defence force engineers would help rebuild Iraq and New Zealand's commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan would be boosted by up to 100 soldiers.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said the United States warmly welcomed the decisions, which he described as "a meaningful contribution".

"New Zealand has also demonstrated that its commitment as a partner in the struggle against terrorism is strong and abiding," he said.

Helen Clark said the reaction to her announcement was "a fair reflection of reality" which would disappoint National and Act.

Opposition parties reacted to Miss Clark's announcement yesterday by accusing her of making a belated attempt to curry favour with the US after her disastrous remarks about the war.

"It's hard to credibly offer an olive branch when the tree has already been chopped down," said National's leader Bill English.

"It will take a lot more than this to restore our reputation as a reliable friend."

ACT leader Richard Prebble, who has always said New Zealand should have been part of the invading force, said Miss Clark should exlain why she now thought it was right to become involved.

- NZPA

Herald Feature: Iraq