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.