Fax from: PRIME MINISTER
February 1997 TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER
THE HON JOHN HOWARD MP
DOORSTOP FAIRBAIRN
E PRIME MINISTER:
Good morning.
JRNLST: What do you want to get out of your first overseas trip this year?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, a reconfirmation of the very close friendship and historical association with New
Zealand. JRNLST: On the White Paper how do you hope to put the Coalition stamip on the White Paper? It's
been reported that you are expecting to take a hard-nosed approach to it.
PRIME MINISTER:
I don't think a running commentary on a White Paper is suitable for a noise laden doorstop at
the airport.
. JRNLST:
There were some rocky times in the relationship between the previous government and New
Zealand. Do you think that under your government that's been repaired and we have resumed
a close relationship with New Zealand? 15/ 82/ 97 11: 42 P~ j: I
15/ O2/ 97 11: 42 Pg: 2
PRIM MINISTER:
Well the people have always been close. Government's can never wreck good relationships
between close friends but under my government the relationship has got I think a little warmer
because 1 have a good personal relationship with Mr Bolger, we have a lot in common and I
will be futrthering that over the next two or three days.
JRNLST: Prime Minister how would you describe your WIK negotiations yesterday?
PRIME MINISTER:
They were quite friendly. They were very detailed, they highlighted the complexity of the
issue. I don't want to raise expectations that we have bridged the differences because they are
still very great. But there was a lot of good will. Everybody was trying and I'm going to keep
trying to get a negotiated settlement but at the end of the day as the government we have to
take a decision
JRNJ. ST:
What do you hope to have achieved and by when?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well I've indicated that I wouild like to put a final position to my colleagues by Easter and that
seems to be a timetable that all the interested parties both accept and understand. Thank you.
ends