Embassy exchanges offered in Africa

Press, 20 August 1981, Page 3

Embassy exchanges offered in Africa

PA Wellington The Government has had a favourable response from two African nations in its bid to obtain accredited diplomatic representation on the African continent.

According to reliable Government sources, both the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments have given approval for the cross-accredi-tation of New Zealand diplomats stationed in other countries to their respective capitals, Lagos and Dar-es-Salaam.

But Kenya, the third country in black Africa in which the Government - wanted similar representation, has not yet responded to the overture.

When approaches to the three countries were made more than a month ago there was speculation that Nigeria might be hostile because of its strong opposition to the Springbok tour. There was also some doubt as to the attitude of the Tanzanian Government because of the tour.

It was expected, however, that the Kenyan Government would give a fairly quick and favourable response.

In the case of the Tanzanians, approval in principle has been given for the accreditation. It is believed the person the Government wishes to hold the accreditation has been approved. Nigeria has yet to approve the person nominated by the New Zealand Government.

The Government planned to cross-accredit diplomats attached to the High Commission in London, the embassy in Athens, and possibly the embassy in Rome.