5 July 2005

Greens suggest agenda for dialogue with US

The Green Party is welcoming the call from departing US Ambassador Charles Swindells for more dialogue between his nation and New Zealand.

"It would be good if the United States would engage more with New Zealand on the nuclear issue," Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Keith Locke says.

"The Greens would like to see a particular focus on the Bush Administration's failure to meet its nuclear disarmament obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"Nuclear power should also be up for discussion, with the United States' reporting on accidents at its nuclear power stations and its failure to find a completely safe and long-lasting way to dispose of nuclear wastes being the first matters that could be covered.

"New Zealand's ban on nuclear-armed and powered ships could then be looked at in the context of these considerations.

"The dialogue could also address other diplomatic issues, such as why the United States is, per capita, one of the world's smallest aid donors.

"Finally, the dialogue could look at international human rights problems, such as the denial of due process to those interned at the American detention centre at Guantanamo Bay.

"Clearly there is much to talk about," says Mr Locke.

ENDS

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