Ari Fleischer, President Bush's Official Spokesman Answers Regarding Helen Clark’s Meeting With President Bush
Q The President meets tomorrow with Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand. Since New Zealand is now supporting the
anti-terrorism efforts, and its troops actually work in tandem with American or British troops, is the U.S. considering
modifying its military and diplomatic classification regarding New Zealand?
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, New Zealand is an ally. And the President is looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister
Clark tomorrow. As for the issue, the ban continues to be a problem. It is an impediment to full alliance relations. But
he'll discuss this tomorrow. But I don't believe -- I see no circumstance in which this will get in the way of a full
discussion about the number of issues, which are many, that the United States and New Zealand agree on.
Transcript ends