Clark makes NZ the butt of jokes

Helen Clark's self-inflicted wound on our country has got to a point where other countries are making fun of us, says National Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr Wayne Mapp.

"The Prime Minister's appalling gaffe in criticising the United States has given other countries an opening to have some fun at our expense," he said.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer made a throwaway comment today that New Zealand wouldn't be bombed by the United States even though we had displeased the US.

"How can other countries take us seriously when our Prime Minister is so inept that she gives foreign leaders the opportunity to make fun of us?

"It is time Helen Clark understood that she is part of a wider world, not just a commentator, and that her comments affect the way New Zealand is perceived world wide. Today's comments show just how far New Zealand has slipped out of orbit in its relationship with the United States and Australia," Dr Mapp said.

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