New Zealand Offers Troops, Support for Terrorism Fight

TBO.com ^ | 9/21/01 | AP

[kattracks]

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - New Zealand has offered a military support in the fight against terrorism and is in it for the "long haul," Prime Minister Helen Clark said Friday.

United States President George W. Bush had "delivered a clear and unequivocal message to the Taliban and other governments who harbor terrorists," Clark said.

New Zealand would support the U.S. determination to root out the followers of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden and other terrorist groups, she said.

"We will play our part in international efforts to cut off access to funds by terrorist groups. We are also prepared to make a military contribution," she said.

Clark didn't elaborate but analysts said the options could include New Zealand special force commandos assisting with lightning strikes against terrorist cells in the Asia-Pacific region, and possibly joining a bigger strike force in the Afghanistan region.

Air force transport planes, medical services, naval patrol vessels and other supports were also options which New Zealand provided during the Gulf War.

"This will be a lengthy campaign. We urge the U.S. to coordinate closely with others as this campaign develops. President Bush has said that he sees this as an international effort. New Zealand is in it for the long haul too," she said.

[Endeavor]

The Kiwis are a wonderful lot. Now, if only they'd give us the America's Cup back!

[zoso82t]

I thought that a few days ago they weren't going to help at all???

[Rome2000]

Bump to the Kiwis!

[jwalsh07]

Helen must have gotten the poll and focus group results.

[avg_freeper]

Looks like someone is in for a good XENA whoopin!

[Kimlee]

You are correct, they were not. They were only going to help with intelligence. I guess they have had a change of heart.

[AngrySpud]

That's right, I read a report that said they were pulling out of ANZUS, would have nothing to do with the current situation, and expected nothing from the US in the future.

[AngrySpud]

Looks like someone is in for a good Maori warrior whompin'!

[Don Myers]

"I thought that a few days ago they weren't going to help at all???"

Well, she did sort of tell us to take a hike.

[Snuffington]

New Zealand has offered a military support in the fight against terrorism and is in it for the "long haul"

Of course they are. When the writing was on the wall, did we really expect otherwise? Helen Clark can spout socialist nonsense in peacetime all she wants. But Kiwis are made of sterner stuff when it comes to war. She'd have been out on her ear if she abandoned the rest of the West in the upcoming struggle.

[Sueann]

Well, I do believe the President made it quite clear, "you are either with us or with the terrorists". What more did NZ need to hear?

[Snuffington]

Any Kiwis you'd like to bump?

[DB]

They dumped ANZUS back in the mid 80's.

I'm grateful they have now chosen to fully engage the situation.

[Darth Sidious]

The New Zealanders, God bless 'em, just might be, pound for pound, the heartiest group of people in this world today.

We should be most thankful for their support.

[classygreeneyedblonde]

We the people of the Unites States thank the people of New Zeland. You are truly great people.

[norton]

I'd be a whole lot more grateful if they'd dump their socialist PM'ette, restore some vestage of a defense capability, ask for our tolerance for their assinine past policies, and act like something other than spoiled little piss-ants once again.

[DAnconia55]

Helen must have gotten the poll and focus group results.

Yeah, exactly WHAT is that? Isn't there any remote backwater on Earth that doesn't think leadership is a matter of public opinion.

Might as well stamp a GAP ad on her ass. She's done.