by Selwyn Manning

The United States is strengthening its contingent scheduled for the APEC leaders summit in Auckland next month, with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright confirmed to attend.

The White House has announced that Ms Albright will accompany USA President Bill Clinton. She will arrive in Auckland on September 8 for the summit meetings set for September 12 and 13.

President Clinton last week formally confirmed he would attend APEC and continue his stay in New Zealand for an official state visit. He will visit Christchurch and Queenstown as part of a state tour.

A further 21 leaders from Asian and Pacific nations will also attend APEC. Russia’s recently sworn in Prime Minister Putin will replace Russian President Boris Yeltsin at the meeting after Mr Yeltsin pulled out because of ill health.

President Clinton is expected to enter into talks with the Chinese President while in New Zealand. Issues surrounding the accidental NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Serbia during the Balkens conflict will likely be discussed.

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