WikiLeaks: Update on MOU with NZ regarding Zheleznogorsk

This is one of the diplomatic cables about New Zealand held by Wikileaks.

June 2, 2006

SUBJECT: UPDATE ON MOU WITH NEW ZEALAND REGARDING ZHELEZNOGORSK POWER PLANT

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Katherine Hadda for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

1. (C) Deborah Panckhust, officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) Disarmament Division, says that MFAT lawyers have now approved the U.S. draft text for the Zheleznogorsk MOU. However, the MOU must now be approved by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defense Minister Phil Goff. As they had already approved the agreement in principle, Panckhurst is optimistic that they will give their OK within the week.

2. (C) Panckhurst said that GNZ is mindful that they must spend the proposed funds by June 30, the end of New Zealand's fiscal year. She is hopeful the agreement can be approved and signed in time.

McCormick

ENDS

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