PM's press conference walkout over Iraq questions

[Swagman]

PM's press conference walkout over Iraq questions
February 16, 2007 - 7:42PM
Prime Minister John Howard's visit to New Zealand has ended with a press conference being abandoned over persistent questions about Iraq.

A day after anti-war protesters staged a noisy demonstration against Mr Howard's arrival, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark walked out of the press conference when a reporter from online left-wing news site Scoop continued to ask about the war.

Mr Howard appeared unperturbed by the questions about Australia's participation in the US-led invasion, which New Zealand opposed, and his criticism last weekend of US presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

"If you're asking me do I have cause to withdraw or retract, no I don't,"
But Ms Clark was unwilling to give her opinion on whether she thought things were better or worse in Iraq in front of Mr Howard.

"I don't really want to go down that track today. Any other questions?" she said.

"Australia is our closest friend and neighbour. I respect Australia's decisions. I don't always agree with them, that's on the public record, but of course I respect them."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/pms-press-conference-walkout-over-iraq-questions/2007/02/16/1171405438685.html

[tanyev]

1. Shhh! Don't mention the war!

[hatrack]

2. Except when you're attacking American presidential candidates!!!

:eyes:

[Doondoo]

3. This guy really has been embarrassing himself a lot lately.