NZ sees potential for stronger ties

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, MARCH 2. The New Zealand Foreign Minister, Mr. Phil Goff, said his country favoured the formation of a government of national unity in Fiji following the Court of Appeal verdict upholding the 1997 Constitution.

Mr. Goff, who left Singapore for New Delhi this evening, said the Fiji issue will be on the agenda when he meets with his Indian counterpart, Mr. Jaswant Singh, on March 7. New Zealand, along with Australia, is seen as a key player in Fijian affairs.

In New Delhi, Mr. Goff is likely to call on the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, and hold a separate meeting with the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes.

The Minister, who will be visiting Gujarat tomorrow, is scheduled to meet the State's Chief Minister, Mr. Keshubhai Patel. He will also visit Mumbai.

In a brief telephonic chat with The Hinduhere this evening, Mr. Goff, who is also the Trade Minister, said there were many Gujaratis living in New Zealand and his country looked forward to helping with the reconstruction programme in the State.

The first New Zealand Foreign Minister to visit India in nine years, he made it clear that while his country wanted to expand relations with India, there remained areas of difference.

New Zealand differed with India on the nuclear issue. ``Our desire is to see that India signs both those treaties (CTBT and NPT).''

He said there was enormous potential for a stronger trade relationship with India which was one of New Zealand's top 20 export destinations.

On the possibility of a visit by the New Zealand Prime Minister, Ms. Helen Clark, to India, he said an invitation had been extended to her, and a visit was likely early next year.

Asked about Fiji, Mr. Goff said New Zealand had reacted positively to the ruling by the Court of Appeal yesterday. New Zealand's position that the duly-elected Parliament should be restored had been upheld.

In response to a question, the Foreign Minister said the statement by Fiji's acting President, Mr. Josefa Iloilo, had been more positive than the remarks made by the interim civilian Prime Minister, Mr. Laisenia Qarase, on the future course of events in Fiji. ``I think a government of national unity is the more sensible way forward in the short-term. Since the Fijian Labour Party held a majority in Parliament, the Prime Minister of such a government should be from that party.''

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Section  : International
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