NZ military ties suspension

NZ military ties suspension

Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Wellington

New Zealand is not ready to restore cooperation with Indonesia's
army, despite Washington's decision to resume full military
education and training programs, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said
on Monday.

Both the United States and New Zealand suspended military
cooperation in protest over the brutality of Indonesian soldiers
in East Timor during the former province's struggle for
independence in the 1990s.

"The matter will be kept under review, but there are no plans
for a change," Goff told Radio New Zealand from China where he is
making an official visit.

The U.S. is reported to have lifted its ban in order to build
ties with Indonesia in the global fight against terrorism.

Goff made it clear that New Zealand was far from happy with
Indonesia's promised crackdown on its troops responsible for
atrocities in East Timor.

"We had mass devastation and multiple killings, but nobody was
found to be responsible," he said. "We would like to see those
responsible held to account.

"That has been the reason why active military cooperation has
not been resumed."

Prime Minister Helen Clark confirmed the issue was not on the
government's agenda at this stage when she was questioned at a
news conference after her weekly cabinet meeting on Monday.