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| Down Under | |
| NZ okays Aust's maritime security zone | |
| 2004-12-17 | |
New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff says Australia's plan to boost its maritime security appears to be within international laws. There had been some concern Australia might be offending countries in the region.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) says there has been a misunderstanding and Australia's new zone will go to the maximum of 1,000 nautical miles, only if there is no other border or jurisdiction. The spokesman says the zone will in no way impinge on New Zealand's sovereignty or other neighbouring states. Mr Goff says he is satisfied the plan does not impinge on New Zealand's sovereignty. Earlier another minister in the Government expressed surprise Australian officials had not told New Zealand about the move to impose a 1,000 nautical mile security zone. Mr Goff says there is no issue since all countries are bound by the law of the sea. "I imagine Australia, like New Zealand, will continue to operate under that law and not outside of it," he said. The matter will be raised at talks between the countries foreign ministers this weekend. The Federal Opposition says the Government has made a diplomatic blunder by failing to tell New Zealand about the planned maritime security zone. Labor's defence spokesman Robert McClelland says that shows the Government rushed the announcement in an attempt to appear tough on security issues. "Essentially what the announcement was yesterday was the establishment of a reporting zone, as opposed to a patrolling zone," he said. "As New Zealand pointed out, if it was the latter, that is there was a proposal to patrol out to 1,000 nautical miles, then the Australian Navy would be patrolling the South Island of New Zealand, which is just complete and utter rubbish." Australia rushed to brief neighbours on the plan to create the maritime zone. This afternoon, Australia's Foreign Affairs Department announced it had briefed the New Zealand High Commission in Canberra. | |
| Posted by:God Save The World |
| #10 "Radical Islam is merely PC diversionist mercs for Leftism-Socialism-Communism" How do you come to that conclusion? |
| Posted by: Dave D. 2004-12-17 7:46:10 PM |
| #9 For Radical Islam to do nothing ags CANADA would be a strong hint to any experienced Cold War analyst that something is up or is being planned for that nation, albeit is not absolute! Moreso if one believes, as I do, that Radical Islam is merely PC diversionist mercs for Leftism-Socialism-Communism, and iff and should something occur ags the USA-Canada/NORAM, Washington and Western civilization will need capable, strong Allies like Australia-NZ, et al. to WATCH ITS BACK. DAMN GOOD THING FOR THE WEST DUBYA ESTABLISHED NORTHERN COMMAND [NORCOM]! |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2004-12-17 7:20:34 PM |
| #8 LH - good example that within any sadsack leadership, some heroes remain. Good for W for recognizing them as well. A lot like the Canadian snipers, eh? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-12-17 4:56:24 PM |
| #7 New Zealand Herald: "By MARTIN JOHNSTON and JULIET ROWAN New Zealand's top military unit, the Special Air Service, has been honoured by US President George W. Bush for its involvement in the war in Afghanistan. The New Zealand Government last night confirmed that the secretive SAS unit received a unit citation and a personal commendation for its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Kelly, from the United States. The Government has been tight-lipped about SAS involvement in the conflict. Defence Force press officer Commander Sandy McKie last night confirmed that President Bush presented the citation to the SAS. She said Colonel Kelly received it in San Diego. Helen Clark's spokesman, Mike Munro, said the Defence Force told the Prime Minister's office about the award a week ago. He did not know whether she planned to make a public announcement. The LawFuel.com website reported that President Bush gave the award on December 7 in recognition of the SAS contribution to the American-led war in Afghanistan. LawFuel, an independent international news service for lawyers run from New Zealand, said the unit citation was given by President Bush to members of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, consisting of units from the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, Germany and Norway. Helen Clark said in March that an SAS unit would carry out direct action and long-range reconnaissance missions during a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. She said in the first week of April that up to 50 SAS troops had gone to Afghanistan. The Prime Minister has consistently refused to reveal the scope of SAS activity in Afghanistan. But documents leaked from Defence Force headquarters in May said the troops would take part in combat missions under the control of American forces. Their activities would include quick strikes and other small-scale offensive operations. They would also engage in raids, ambushes, direct assaults, attacks from the air, ground or sea, guide "precision weaponry", and conduct independent sabotage and "anti-ship" operations. The SAS troops would help American forces to assess enemy activities, secure data on particular areas and engage in post-strike reconnaissance. A little more information about the SAS unit came when two of its soldiers were wounded in Afghanistan in June during a pre-dawn raid with other forces. A unit commander revealed that the forces were operating on their own in and were "a long, long way from the normal conventional forces". Mr Munro said it was unlikely President Bush's award would result in more information being revealed. National Party defence spokesman John Carter said he did not know about the award, but it came as no surprise. "They are outstanding individuals who have done us proud," he said. It was great that another country had recognised their contribution. " |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2004-12-17 4:21:22 PM |
| #6 New Zeland is a beacon to hippies, peace creeps and diptards round the world. They have plenty of room. I suggest they all imigrate. Then they can have a big happy island of love. They don't need an Army, Navy or Air Force. Everyone will love them and leave them alone. Ask their PM Clark. She will confirm this for you. |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom 2004-12-17 4:00:52 PM |
| #5 Chance to demilitarise versus the age-old paranoia of Australia taking over. Must be making the Kiwi leadership heads hurt. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2004-12-17 12:10:43 PM |
| #4 Does this mean New Zealand can shitcan their navy now too since the Aussies are picking up their slack? |
| Posted by: tu3031 2004-12-17 10:48:32 AM |
| #3 Hollywood is corrupting NZ...too many airhead actors running around... |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2004-12-17 10:13:30 AM |
| #2 Freyberg. Crete. |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2004-12-17 10:02:48 AM |
| #1 "As New Zealand pointed out, if it was the latter, that is there was a proposal to patrol out to 1,000 nautical miles, then the Australian Navy would be patrolling the South Island of New Zealand, which is just complete and utter rubbish." What is it with these free riding younger sibling colonies like New Zealand and Canada? They not only do far too little to defend themselves, let alone the free world, but then they have to shove their thumb in the eye of their responsible elder who carries the entire burden. I used to think that they were just taking advantage of the situation and that when push came to shove they would show up with the finest fighting men in the world as they always have; albeit expecting us to provide their weapons and supplies. But now with jerks like Clark and Martin actively frustrating eforts to establish effective colective security, I'm begining to wonder. I'm starting to wonder if it was such a good idea for the pig who built his house of bricks to have added the extra bedrooms. |
| Posted by: Mrs. Davis 2004-12-17 9:30:07 AM |