TV1 6pm News

1. CLINTON: An official thaw in relations with the US after a freeze of 15 years the US is to have military exercises with NZ in relation to East Timor. At a press conference President Clinton praised Jenny Shipley for her leadership at APEC, the President said he would consider other militaty exercises on a case by case basis. Clinton also said that he would consider a free trade agreement that would expand CER around the Pacific Rim. East Timor was also the centre of talks. Jenny Shipley has also confirmed a special sitting of Parliament to debate deploying troops to East Timor

2. EAST TIMOR: The UN is expected to shortly rubberstamp a peacekeeping force. Objections to the Australians, NZ and others taking part have been withdrawn, it will be multi-national force possibly deployed as early as the weekend. Refugees and military are in Darwin as preparations are made to move to East Timor. A number of people on refugee flights were taken away for questioning as they were identified as militia.

3. INDONESIA: There have been protests in Jakarta at the prospect of foreign troops in East Timor.

4. CHINESE VISIT: The control of demonstrations at the visit of the Chinese President have raised questions about free speech. The protests disrupted events and delayed a state dinner and were moved on because of a fear of offending the Chinese.

5. KOREAN VISIT: There is a third state visit going on with the head of Korea visiting Wellington.

6. CLINTON VISIT: President Clinton continued his visit in Christchurch today with people queuing and rushing to see Clinton speak. He praised NZ and the people liked him.

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