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NZ nuclear ban will remain whoever wins election – International Herald Tribune

NZ nuclear ban will remain whoever wins election
The Associated Press18 Sept 08 

The conservative front-runner in the race to become New Zealand’s
next prime minister says he would make no big changes to the country’s
foreign and defense policies, and the nuclear ban that has long been a
thorn in Washington’s side would remain.

“America will never like our anti-nuclear stance but there’s a
recognition that it’s there and is going to stay,” National Party
leader John Key told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday………………………..Famous for its “Lord of the Rings” wilderness, this South Pacific
nation of 4.3 million people, dairy and sheep farms, wineries and a
handful of cities is in general socially conservative but progressive
on issues such as protecting the environment…………..

Since 1985, U.S. warships have been denied entry into New Zealand
ports because the Pentagon refuses to declare if they are carrying
nuclear weapons. As a result, New Zealand has been effectively dropped
from a joint security treaty with the U.S. and Australia.

Relations have improved recently — U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice paid a visit in July and praised New Zealand despite
their differences — and both Clark and Key say they are hopeful of
striking a free trade agreement with the United States.

Key said “the independent nuclear policy will remain” if he is prime minister.

NZ nuclear ban will remain whoever wins election – International Herald Tribune

September 19, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics