18 February 2011

MEDIA RELEASE
 

Partnership Forum Continues With Senior US Attendance

The cancellation of United States Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s New Zealand visit and participation in the fourth US NZ Partnership Forum is disappointing but understandable, the NZUS Council said today.

Secretary Napolitano’s decision follows the fatal shooting of a United States immigration and customs enforcement agent this week in Mexico.

“Secretary Napolitano has demanding responsibilities and we understand her decision to remain in the United States to support the family and colleagues of the agent,” Council Chairman Rt Hon James Bolger said.

“We extend our condolences to those affected by this event,” he said.

 
Other senior US Administration officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Mariko Silver will still attend the Forum, as will eight serving Congressmen and representatives from significant US corporates. 

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