Israeli leader may tour New Zealand

Press, 8 May 1986, Page 20

Israeli leader may tour New Zealand

PA Wellington The President of Israel, Mr Chaim Herzog, may visit New Zealand later this year on a tour which is likely to involve extraordinary security precautions, the “New Zealand Herald” reports. The authorities were refusing to discuss the possible visit because it has yet to be officially confirmed and because of sensitive security and political issues, the "Herald” said. Officials were aware that the scope of international terrorism meant that a visit to New Zealand by a leading Middle Hast politician required meticulous planning, it said.

A joint announcement by the New Zealand and Israeli Governments confirming an official visit by President Herzog in October or November could be made in two months, the “Herald” said.

Brief mention of a trip by the British-born President to the South Pacific and Far East was made in the “Jerusalem Post” newspaper.

President Herzog, aged 67, a lawyer, diplomat and writer, contributes articles to the Englishlanguage publication.

The item also was reprinted in the April information bulletin of the Israeli Embassy in Wellington. The timing of the visit by President Heroz may pose problems for foreign affairs and security authorities. Between November 22 and 24 the Pope is to visit New Zealand. Elaborate security precautions are taken for any tour by the Pontiff. Possibly even more detailed security measures would be taken for the Israeli President. Mr Herzog is a former ambassador to the United Nations. His career has been closely linked with the development of modern Israel. He was the country’s first military Intelligence chief and also the first military governor of the West Bank after Israel conquered the Palestinian territory in 1967. He was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and studied at Cambridge University before entering law. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said he couldjnot confirm the suggestion that the Israeli President New Zealand**