N-stance ‘firmer than ever’

Press, 13 June 1986, Page 3

N-stance ‘firmer than ever’

PA Auckland New Zealand’s antinuclear policies had not been softened as a result of his trip through Europe, said the Prime Minister, Mr Lange, in Auckland yesterday. Instead, the position was firmer than ever, and understood in Europe. Speaking on his return from the two-week tour, Mr Lange said the policies had even been welcomed in some countries. Mr Lange said a decision on whether the Rainbow Warrior dispute would be referred to international mediation would be discussed by the Cabinet on Monday. Both New Zealand and France would need to give, and agree on, terms of reference to any mediator or arbitrator. “Now that is what will be proceeding next week,” he said. The detention of the two French agents jailed for their part in the incident would need to be part of any terms of reference. “Clearly neither nation can surrender to that person (a mediator) the right to make a decision at whatever level he or she thinks.” Mr Lange said it was realistic to assume New Zealand would have access to Europe for its butter at a reasonable level during the next two years. This year 79,000 tonnes of butter would go to Europe. “The tonnages for 1987 and 1988 have yet to be determined and we had an understanding that the commission (E.E.C.) would be putting up a proposal of the order of 2000 tonnes reduction each year.”