Whitehouse Spokesman On Clark – Bush Meeting

Ari Fleischer, President Bush's Official Spokesman Answers Regarding Helen Clark’s Meeting With President Bush

Q The President meets tomorrow with Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand. Since New Zealand is now supporting the anti-terrorism efforts, and its troops actually work in tandem with American or British troops, is the U.S. considering modifying its military and diplomatic classification regarding New Zealand?

MR. FLEISCHER: Well, New Zealand is an ally. And the President is looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Clark tomorrow. As for the issue, the ban continues to be a problem. It is an impediment to full alliance relations. But he'll discuss this tomorrow. But I don't believe -- I see no circumstance in which this will get in the way of a full discussion about the number of issues, which are many, that the United States and New Zealand agree on.

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