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| Down Under |
| Israel says sorry over NZ spying case |
| 2005-06-27 |
| Full diplomatic relations have been restored between New Zealand and Israel after Israel apologised over the activities of two alleged spies. Two men said by New Zealand to be Israeli agents were sentenced last year to six months in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to obtain a New Zealand passport illegally. They were released and deported after serving about two months. New Zealand's prime minister, Helen Clark, demanded a public apology from Israel and a commitment to prevent another such breach of her country's laws. She also imposed diplomatic sanctions on Israel from July 2004, including halting the approval of a new Israeli ambassador. In a letter released on Sunday, the Israeli foreign minister, Silvan Shalom, said Israel wished "to express our regret for the activities which resulted in the arrest and conviction of two Israeli citizens in New Zealand on criminal charges and apologise for the involvement of Israeli citizens in such activities". Ms Clark immediately announced the thaw in relations. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 An old Mossad Motto: It's easier to ask for forgivness then it is to ask for permission. |
| Posted by: DepotGuy 2005-06-27 09:18 |