Argentina ignoring N.Z. overtures

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 6

Argentina ignoring N.Z. overtures

PA Wellington Argentina continues to ignore New Zealand’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. . ' Relations were- severed when New Zealand ordered the Argentine delegation out of the country soon after Argentina’s invasion of the Falkland Islands.

Although diplomatic circles believe that Argentina doe’s not bear undue resentment towards New Zealand for its support of Britain, Argentina appears in no hurry to re-establish dip-, lomatic ties.

A meeting was set up about a month ago in Washington for senior officials of both countries and New Zealand’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr Lance AdamsSchneider, met the Argentinian Ambassador, Mr Esteban Takacs. •

Since then, however, there has been no response from Argentina, a spokesman for the Minister of Foreign-Af-fairs, Mr Cooper, has said: . Mr Cooper will spend about a week, in Washington after he leaves New Zealand-, on October 2 to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The spokesman said that he would discuss with New. Zealand diplomats why there had been no response from Argentina. If and when diplomatic links are re-established, it will not necessarily mean Argentina’s reopening an embassy in Wellington. Both countries could conduct their business in centres where both have diplomatic ; representation, such as i Washington or Canberra. The most important politi- i cal reason for a resumption ,

of ties would be over New Zealand-Argentinian interests in Antarctica. Trade between the two countries is not great. " South American trade via Argentina, however, was on the increase before direct flights were stopped with the break in diplomatic relations, according to Aerolineas Argentinas’ New Zealand representative, Ms Anne Clifford. The airline’s Auckland office has had calls from exporters asking when the Buenos Aires flight will be restored, particularly as an Exporters’ Institute mission is due to go to Chile this ' month. ,;. : : At present,: goods must-be flown the longer route through Tahiti and Easter Island to Santiago by Lan Chile, or even to Buenos Aires via Los Angeles.