Greens Pose Threat to NZ-US Trade Breakthrough

Tuesday 30 Jul 2002 Ken Shirley Press Releases -- Foreign Affairs & Defence

The Prime Minister must be careful not to jeopardise New Zealand's chances of a free trade deal with the United States, by allowing the Greens to have undue influence in the next government, ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley says.

"The passing by Congress of the Trade Promotion Authority Bill, which gives President Bush the power to personally negotiate binding trade agreements, is a very significant development. It will facilitate the passage of free trade, with the Senate veto being removed," Mr Shirley said.

"New Zealand must now lobby hard for a free trade agreement with the United States. President Bush has already said he favours a trade deal with Australia. New Zealand must line up alongside Australia and work hard to get talks started on the issue.

"The Greens' opposition to free trade poses a huge risk to the process of removing barriers, and the government should distance itself from a party that takes such an irrational stance on trade," Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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