At last, now we can stop sitting around on our hands looking like the damn tree-huggers most countries think most of us are ( no way Jose)
Posted on 08/16/2005 9:10:42 PM PDT by Critical Bill
The United States has let New Zealand take part in a multi-national military exercise off Singapore, but is refusing to say whether it signals a wider thaw in the Anzus defence standoff.
New Zealand and United States forces are taking part in the exercise this week, which is based around the simulated interception of ships carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Australia and Japan are among other nations also taking part.
New Zealand has been blocked since the mid-1980s from taking part in joint exercises with the US, due to our anti-nuclear policy.
There have been exceptions when the two countries have worked together in preparation for military deployments such as in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.
However in this case the US issued a waiver for New Zealand to take part in the exercise, despite no link to a joint deployment.
The United States Embassy said the US supported New Zealand's involvement in the exercise, but it steered away from commenting on whether the waiver held any wider significance.
"The US strongly supports NZ participation in the PSI (proliferation security initiative) so as a result we have issued a waiver in this situation so they can participate," the embassy said in a statement.
Defence Minister Mark Burton also declined to comment on the wider significance of the joint exercise.
"This is part of ongoing extensive exercises and engagements with our regional defence partners," he said today through a spokeswoman.
"At an operational level, the defence relationships with various regional partners have continued to develop over the last six years. This is just the latest example of regional co-operation."
A Defence Force spokeswoman said today New Zealand would send an Orion aircraft, a liaison officer and two Customs staff to participate in the Singapore-hosted exercise.
Dubbed "Deep Sabre", it will feature a maritime interdiction scenario, with defence forces tasked with intercepting "target ships" carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Victoria University Centre for Strategic Studies director Peter Cozens said today New Zealand's strong track record of opposition to weapons of mass destruction may have been a factor in the US deciding to include it in the exercise.
Mr Cozens said the exercise would have strong benefits for New Zealand's armed forces.
"We can operate with the biggest military in the world and understand their procedures, not only of a military nature, but also of a rules of engagement nature, also of a getting to know you nature as well," he told National Radio.
He said he saw no reason why New Zealand and US armed forces could not develop a closer relationship in the future.
At last, now we can stop sitting around on our hands looking like the damn tree-huggers most countries think most of us are ( no way Jose)
I'm shocked that any kiwis WANT this to happen, seeing their pisspoor feelings toward the Administration.
Do the Kiwis still think Dan Quayle tried to kill their Prime Minister?
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/03/28/nz.lange/
Glad to hear that New Zealand is joining in!
Is it true that NZ destroyers have to be solar-powered?
Nah, Wind powered!
Actually I don't know since I've not been there.Having been there would I know?I do know historicly NZ holds people of enormous strength.Many are elder and continue to deliver their wisdom to the younger.So there is no animosity and strong hands embrace across thousands of miles.
"Mr Cozens said the exercise would have strong benefits for New Zealand's armed forces"
How, exactly, given all they're sending is one plane and around 15 personnel?
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New Zealand is a nice place. Been there once and would like to go again. We had a flat-mate, a woman from New Zealand. She was really nice. Level headed. Most of the people I ever met from New Zealand have been nice.
Glad to hear we're cooperating in this way.
About time the Kiwis join the Anglo-Aussie-American alliance that is unparalled in history.
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Kia Ora!
Glad to see the Kiwis are ready to go!
Canteen Ping!!
Welcome Aboard to our Kiwi friends!
Thanks for posting this Critical Bill!
BTTT!!!!!!!
The remaining 50% of the New Zealand military will remain at home.
WOOHOO!!! Glad to have the Kiwis aboard!
You see, once again the silent majority are misunderstood.
What Destroyers?
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